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CEREMONIES, ETC. 



NEW TOEK STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM. 



BINC1HAMTON, NEW YORK. 




M.w YORK: 
vvNKOor. BAXtUBNBSOX, A THOMAS, PRSTCHU, 111 H I N>S 

isw, 



ORDER OF CEREMONIES 

ON LAYING THE COENER-STONE OF THE NEW YORK STATE 
INEBRIATE ASYLUM, 

AT BINGHAMTON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1858. 



1. Prayer, by Rev. Dr. Beach, of Binghamton. 

2. Ceremonies of Laying the Corner Stone, under the direc- 
tion of M. W. John L. Lewis, Jr., Grand Master of the Free 
and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. 

3. Address of John L. Lewis, Jr. 

4. Music, by the Band. 

5. Address by the President of the Corporation, Hon. Benja- 
min F. Butler, of New York. 

G. Address, on the objects and necessity of the Asylum, by 
John W. Francis, M. D., LL. D., of New York. 
V. Music. 

8. Address, by Rev. Henry W. Bex&OWS, D. D., of Now 
York. 

0. Remarks of Hon. Daniel S. DICKINSON. 

10. Remarks of Hon, Edward Everett. 

11. Poem, by Alfred B. Street, Esq., of Albany, N. Y. 

12. Benediotion, by Rev. N". A Prince, of Now Jersey, 

9 



loarfr of €vnstttn 



NEW YORK STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM. 



Hon. BENJAMIN F. BUTLEE, New York. 
JOHN W. FRANCIS, M.D., LL.D., " 
Hon. EEUBEN H. WALWOETH, Saratoga. 
Hon. WILLIAM T. McCOUN, Long Island. 
Hon. GEOEGE EOLSOM, New York. 
JAMES S. WADSWOETH, Esq., Geneseo. 
Hon. EDWAED A. LAMBEET, Brooklyn. 
WILLIAM E. DODGE, Esq., New York. 
J. II. EANSOM, Esq., 
DAVID HOADLEY, Esq., 
JACOB S. MILLEE, M. D., 
TnOMAS 0. BEINSMADE, M. D., Troy. 
NOAH WOEE ALL, Esq., New York. 
FEANKLIN JOHNSON, Esq., 
THOMAS W. OLOOTT, Esq., Albany. 
JOHN F. EATHBONE, Esq., " 
GEOEGE W. TIFFT, Esq., Buffalo. 
IIENEY A. BEEWSTEE, Esq., Eochester. 
SHEEMAN D. PHELPS, Esq., Binghamton. 
J. EDWAED TUENEE, M. D., Now York. 



Hon. WASHINGTON HUNT, Lockport. 
Hon. DAN'L S. DICKINSON, Binghamton. 
Hon. CIIAS H. EUGGLES, Poughkeepsie. 
Hon. CIIAELES COOK, Havana. 
Hon. JOSIAH B. WILLIAMS, Ithaca. 
HAMILTON MUEEAY, Esq., Oswego. 
EDWAED F. SHONNAED, Esq., Yonkejs, 
Hon. EANSOM BALCOM, Binghamton. 
Hon. ALLEN MONEOE, Syracuse. 
CIIAELES H. DOOLITTLE, Esq., Utica. 
C. P. WOOD, Esq., Auburn. 
Hon. H. P. ALEXANDER, Little Falls. 
noN. JOSEPH MULLEN, Watertown. 
Hon. WALTEE L. SESSIONS, Panama. 
DANFOETII K. OLNEY, Esq.. CatskilL 
FREDERICK JULIAND, Esq,, Greene. 
JOHN CONKLIXC. M. P.. Port Jorvis. 
Hon. PETER S.DANF0RT1T. Middlebuigh. 
Hon. VINCENT WHITNEY, Binghamton. 
PELATIAH RICHARD-, r.sq.,Warronsb'gh. 



OFFICERS OIF T!ETE BOARD. 

Benjamin P. Ruti.fr, /v»w I 

Wu.t.ivm T. MoOotry, Ftni i . -/'• «H ' 

Josiab B. Wiuums, SboonA )'■,•,■-/•••< v- •,■••'. 

.Ionatuvn II. BAM90K, Treasurer. 
•I. EdwJlBD IVkm-k. <•■ •-, <; • •/■; • I 
T. Jkkfkuson Ga-uiunei;. R^thf, 



Staiilrittg (ftjormmiitm. 



oust ZFnsr-AJsrciE- 

WILLIAM E. DODGE, CHAELES COOK, 

JOHN F. EATHBONE, HENEY P. ALEXANDEE, 

J. EDWAED TURNER. 



ON LOCATION. 

REUBEN H. WALWORTH, EANSOM BALCOM, 

WASHINGTON HUNT, EDWAED A. LAMBEET, 

J. EDWAED TURNER. 



COMMITTEE OUST OOTSTSTHTTCTIOTsT. 

HAMILTON MURRAY, GEOEGE FOLSOM, 

SHEEMAN D. PHELPS, YINOENT WHITNEY, 

J. EDWAED TUENEE. 



COIVEMITTEE OTST IMATNTAGKElMIIEHNrT J^JSTJD 
"DISOIIPLIISnE- 



ARCHITECT. 
ISAAC G. PEEEY, New York City 



NEW YORE STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM. 



LOCATION AT BINGHAMTON. 

Binghamton is a delightful town, with some ten thousand inhabi- 
tants, and is charmingly situated at the confluence of the Susque- 
hanna and Chenango rivers, two hundred and fifteen miles from 
New York. It was settled in 1787, by Mr. William Bingham, of 
Philadelphia, who donated the land for its public buildings, and 
from whom it derives its name. It is handsomely laid out, with 
fine avenues, and contains, besides the county buildings, about ten 
churches, three newspaper offices, a number of hotels, several 
seminaries, three banks, about fifty stores, warehouses, and manu- 
factories. It is the terminus of the Syracuse, Binghamton, and 
New York Railroad, and of the Albany and Susquehanna Rail- 
road, which here unite with the New York and Erie. The Che- 
nango Canal also connects it with TItica. 

THE SITE. 

The site selected for the Inebriate Asylum is a delightful one, 
comprising two hundred and fifty-two acres, and one hundred 
and seventeen rods of land, presented by the citizens of Bing- 
hamton, for the purpose to which it is devoted. About 
two miles eastward from the village is the spot where the 
building is to stand, being on the summit of ■ gently sloping 
eminence ; it is easy of access, and commands a view of the Susque- 
hanna, and Chenango valleys, and of the rivers tor eight and nine 
miles each way, while to the northwest is seen every part of the 
village. The grounds surrounding the edifice will he laid out in 
walks and lawns, and the remainder of the land devoted to tann- 
ing purposes for the use of the institution. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING. 

The design of the building combines prominence, with neatness 
and beauty. The structure is to be three hundred and sixty-five 
feet in length, three stories high, of the castellated Gothic style, 
with massive towers, turrets, and buttresses, embattled at the top. 
The transept is sixty-two feet wide, by seventy-two feet deep, 
exclusive of towers, and a portion of the front wall, which makes 
a large vestibule of the first story. The wings are fifty-one feet 
deep, and one hundred and forty-seven feet on each facade, exclu- 
sive of the projection of the towers, which are four feet six inches, 
making the extreme length three hundred and sixty-five feet. 
The centre portion of the wings projects seven feet on each facade, 
giving ample room on one side of the corridor for stairs each way, 
without diminishing the depth of the rooms, or the width of the 
corridor. The projecting portion of the wings have gables and 
turrets at the angles, six feet square at the bottom, are chamfered 
at the second stage, and carried up octagonal at the top. The 
basement is embellished with heavy base — the stories above are 
separated by heavy molded string-courses. The first story of the 
transept is divided transversely by a hall, fourteen feet wide, run- 
ning from front to rear entrances, and longitudinally, by another 
hall, of the same width, in the first and second stories, communi- 
cating at each end, with the corridors of the wings. The hall in 
the third story is also fourteen feet wide. The principal stair- 
cases are at the east end of the longitudinal halls, and lead to the 
top of the building. The second story of the transept contains a 
parlor on each of the two sides of the longitudinal hall, twenty- 
two by twenty-eight feet. The transverse hall, which is fourteen 
by twenty-eight feet, can be shut off from the longitudinal hall by 
sliding doors, and used as a parlor, and the three rooms connected 
by sliding doors. The third story of the transept contains a 
chapel thirty by sixty-nine feet, and four rooms on each side of it, 
with a wardrobe to each. The basement and transept contain a 
kitchen, servants' dining-room, butler's room, pantry, and store 
and medicine rooms. The first story has four rooms, twenty-two 
by twenty-eight feet, besides the rooms in the towers and vesti- 



9 



bule, an office, reception-room, physician's room, and dining-room. 
The rooms in the towers are eight feet square. Corridors, nine 
feet wide, run the entire length of the wings, and are lighted at 
each end by a large triple window, by a skylight next the tran- 
sept, and by sash-doors in the centre. The wings are divided into 
separate wards, there being twenty-two rooms in each ward ; two 
rooms thirteen feet six inches, by eighteen feet, are in the centre 
of each wing ; the dining-room is eighteen by twenty-three feet. 
The remainder of the rooms in the wings are twelve by eighteen 
feet. The towers in the wings are seven feet square inside, and 
fitted up with bath-tubs, etc. The height of ceilings in the tran- 
sept are : basement, nine feet ; first story, fourteen feet six inches ; 
second story, fifteen feet six inches ; chapel, twenty-six feet ; and 
the rooms each side of it, ten feet. The height of ceilings in the 
wings are : basement, nine feet ; first story, twelve feet eight 
inches ; second story, twelve feet four inches ; and third story, 
twelve feet. All the windows above the basement are embellished 
with heavy stone moldings. All the parapets are to be finished 
with projecting stone cornices, and battlements. The second and 
third story windows in the transept, and in the towers attached 
thereto, have pointed windows. The windows of the chapel, and 
the centre-window in the west elevation of the second story, will 
be of stained glass. The dressings to the doors and windows, and 
the basement story, battlements, wreathings, etc., are to be of 
Syracuse lime-stone. The material to be employed above the 
basement is brick. It will require about two years to complete 
the structure, the cost of which will be about 8100,000. 



10 



ARTICLES DEPOSITED IN THE CORNER-STONE OP 
THE NEW YORK STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM, 

SEPTEMBER 24, 1858. 

1. A copy of the Sacred Scriptures. Presented by Rev. Peter 
Lockwood, of Binghamton. 

2. The Act of Incorporation of the New York State Inebriate 
Asylum. 

3. The Constitution and By-Laws of the same. 

4. The date of its commencement. 

5. The names of all the Trustees, and Officers of the Board, from 
its commencement to Sept. 24th, 1858. 

6. A copy of the First Public Addresses delivered on behalf of 
the Inebriate Asylum, by Rev. Henry W. Bellows, D. D., and 
Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D. D., at the Broadway Tabernacle, 
New York, November 7th, 1855. 

7. Copy of an appeal of the first Board of Trustees to the pub- 
lic, on behalf of the Institution, November, 1855. * 

8. Copy of the Address of Dr. Turner, to the Board of Trustees, 
November 7, 1855. 

9. Copy of the letter of Dr. Turner to Hon. John A. King, 
Governor of the State of New York, on the subject of Appropria- 
tion, dated December 22d, 1857. 

10. The names of all the subscribers to the fund of 'the Institu- 
tion. 

11. The names of the citizens of Binghamton who subscribed 
for the purchase of the two hundred and fifty-two acres of land 
2>resented to the Corporation of the New York State Inebriate 
Asylum, as a site for the Institution, with a list of the amount 
subscribed by each. 

12. The name of the Architect. 

13. The name of the Superintendent. 

14. The names of the Contractors for the basement mason- 
work. 

15. Name of the Contractor for the cut-stone for basement. 

16. The names of the Grand Officers of the Masonic Fraternity 
who officiated in laying the corner-stone. 



11 



17. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons, of the State of New York. 

18. By-Laws of the Binghamton Lodges. 

19. By-Laws of Malta Commandery, No. 21. 

20. List of the members of Otseningo Lodge, No. 435. 

21. List of the members of Calumet Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 
221. 

22. A copy of the Circular published for the occasion. 

23. A copy of the Charter of the village of Binghamton. 

24. Transactions of the State Medical Society for 1857, presented 
by Drs. Orton & Brooks, of Binghamton. 

25. Copy of a History of the Medical Profession of Broome 
County, from 1790 to 1858. Presented by Dr. John G. Orton, 
of Binghamton. 

26. A copy of Medical and Surgical Statistics for 1857. Pre- 
sented also by Dr. John G. Orton. 

27. Copy of an Address delivered by George Burr, M. D., of 
Binghamton, at the Geneva Medical College, October 4, 1855. 

28. The American Medical Gazette, published in New York, 
June, 1858. Presented by its editor, David M. Reese, M. D., 
LL. D., of New York. 

29. The Scalpel, for July, 185S. Presented by its editor, 
Edward H. Dixon, M. D., of New York. 

30. Hall's Journal of Health, for September, 1858. Presented 
by its editor, Wm. W. Hall, M. D., of New York. 

31. A Catalogue of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
New York, 1857. 

32. A Catalogue of the University Medical College, New York, 
1857. 

33. A Catalogue of the New York Medical College, New York, 
1857. 

34. A Catalogue of the Albany Medical College, Albany, X. Y.. 
1857. 

85, Copy of the Buffalo Medical Journal, for 1858. 
86* A list of all the Insane Hospitals in North America, 
with the names of their Medical Superintendents, 

37. Copy of the American Journal of Insanity, for July, : 



12 

published by the Medical Officers of the State Lunatic Asylum, 
TJtica, New York. 

38. Keport, for 1857, of the Medical Superintendent of the 
New York State Idiot Asylum, Syracuse, 1ST. Y. 

39. History of the New York Institution for the Deaf and 
Dumb, with a Biographical sketch of its President, Harvey P. 
Peet, M.D., LL. D., 1857. 

40. Twenty-first Annual Report, 1857, of the Managers of the 
New York Institution for the Blind. 

41. A copy of each of the Newspapers printed hi Binghamton, 
New York. 

42. A copy of the New York Daily Times of August 7th, 1858, 
containing a mil account of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable enter- 
prise, from its commencement to its completion, presented by 
Evans & Tozer, Binghamton, N. Y. 

43. A copy of each of the following weekly papers, printed in 
New York, September 16th, 1858, to wit : 

New York Observer ; New York Evangelist ; Independent ; 
Christian Intelligencer ; Christian Inquirer ; Church Journal ; 
Protestant Churchman. 

44. Copies of the mornmg papers of Thursday, Sept. 23d, 
1S58, to wit: 

New York Journal of Commerce ; N. Y. Express ; N. Y. 
Courier & Enquirer ; N. Y. Herald ; N. Y. Tribime ; N. Y. Daily 
Times ; N. Y. Daily News ; N. Y. Daily Sun. 

45. Copies of the following evening papers for Thursday, Sept. 
23d, 1858. 

New York Evening Post ; N. Y. Commercial Advertiser. 

46. Brooklyn Daily Eagle of September 21, 1858. 

47. Syracuse Daily Journal of September 22d, 1858. 

48. Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper for September 18th, 
185S. 

49. Harpers' Weekly, and Journal of Civilization for September 
18th, 1858. 

50. Emerson's Magazine, and Putnam's Monthly for August, 
1858, presented by its editors, Oaksmith & Co., New York. 

51. Coin of the United States. 

52. An old Japanese coin, presented by Henry M. Allen, of 
Binghamton. 



13 



53. Small Metallic Head of Daniel Webster, presented by 
William Stuart, Esq., of Binghamton, N. Y. 

54. Specimen of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, with a certificate 
by Cyrus W. Field, presented by Alfred J. Evans and J. F. 
Tozer, Binghamton, 1ST. Y. 

55. An Indian Pipe of Peace, and an Arrow from a Chief upon 
the upper waters of the Missouri River, presented by Cyrus S. 
Clapp, Esq., of Sioux City, Iowa. 



CEBEMONIES OF LAYING THE STONE, 

BY THE FEEE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. 

In commencing, M. W. John L. Lewis, Jr., the 
Grand Master, directed the Grand Treasurer to deposit 
the Box in the corner-stone, and the stone was then 
laid in its proper place, under the direction of the 
Architect. 

The Grand Master then said : 

R. W. Deputy Grand Master, what is the proper jewel of your 
office? 

D. G. M.— The Square. 

G. M. — What is its moral and Masonic use ? 

D. G. M. — To square our actions by virtue, and to square and 
prove our work. 

G. M. — Apply the implement of your office to that portion oi" 
the foundation-stone as needs to be squared, and make report. 
[It was done.] * 

I). (1. M. — M. W., I find the stone to be square ; the craftsmen 
have performed their duty. 

G. M. — 11. W. Sen. Grand Warden, what is the proper jewel 
of your office ? 

S. G. W.-r-Tne Level 

G. M. — What is its moral and Masonic use ? 



14 



S. G. W. — Morally, it reminds us of equality, and we use it to , 
lay horizontals. 

G. M. — Apply the implement of your office to the foundation- 
stone, and make report. [It was done.] 

S. G. W. — M. W., I find the stone to be level ; the craftsmen 
have performed their duty. 

G. M. — R. W. Junior Grand Warden, what is the proper jewel 
of your office ? 

J. G. W.— The Plumb. 

G. M. — What is its moral and Masonic use ? 

J. G. W. — Morally, it teaches rectitude of conduct, and we use 
it to try perpendiculars. 

G. M. — Apply the implement of your office to the several edges 
of the foundation-stone, and make report. [It was done.] 

J. G. W. — M. W., I find that the stone is plumb ; the craftsmen 
have performed their duty. 

G. M. — This corner-stone having been tested by the proper 
implements of Masonry, I find that the craftsmen have skillfully 
and faithfully performed their duty ; and I declare the stone to be 
well formed, true and trusty, and truly and correctly laid, accord- 
ing to the rules of our ancient craft. 

Prayer was then offered by the R. "W. Grand Chap- 
lain, concluding with the Lord's Prayer, in which the 
brethren joined with uncovered heads, and which pro- 
duced a most striking effect. The response by them 
was, " So mote it be." 

G. M.— Let the elements of consecration now be presented. 

The brother who carried the vessel of corn (wheat), 
then presented it to the Grand Master, who presented 
it to the Grand Marshal, and he placed it in the hands 
of the D. G. M. 

The D. Grand Master then scattered it on the stone, 
saying : 

I scatter this corn as an emblem of plenty. May the blessings 



15 



of bounteous heaven be showered down upon us, and upon all 
Wee patriotic and benevolent undertakings, and inspire the hearts 
of the people with virtue, wisdom, and gratitude. 
Response — So mote it be. 

The cup of wine was in like manner presented to 
the S. Grand Warden, who poured it upon the stone, 
and said : 

I pour this wine as an emblem of joy and gladness. May the 
Grand Ruler of the Universe grant long life and continued health 
to the officers of our National, State, and Local Government — 
preserve the Union of the United States — and may it be a bond 
of friendship and brotherly love that shall endure through time. 
• -Response — So mote it be. 

The cup of oil was also passed to the J. Grand 
Warden, who poured it upon the stone, and said : 

I pour this oil as an emblem of peace. May its blessings abide 
with us continually, and may the Grand Master of Heaven and 
Earth shelter and protect the widow and the orphan — shield and 
protect them from the trials and vicissitudes of the world — and bo 
bestow his mercy upon the bereaved, the afflicted, and the sorrow- 
ing, that they may know sorrow and sighing no more. 

Response — So mote it be. 

The Grand Master then struck the stone three times 
with his gavel, and said : 

Having now, with the assistance of the Grand Lodge and the 

Fraternity, duly laid the foundation-stone of the Now York State 
Inebriate Asylum, according to the rules of onr ancient craft, we 

should supplicate the blessing ol^ the Great Architect o( the Uni- 
verse upon the undertaking, and implore that he will he pleased 
to favor this noble Asylum o\' the unfortunate, wretched, and 

despairing, and make it productive of good to onr common 

humanity — the just pride ,of onr civilization, and an ornament to 
our great State. 



16 



Brethren, be reverently attentive to our R. TV. G. Chaplain, 
while he supplicates in our behalf. 

Grand Chaplain. — May the All Bounteous Author of Nature 
bless the inhabitants of this place, and all here assembled, with the 
necessaries, comforts, and conveniences of life ; assist in the erec- 
tion and completion of this building, devoted to the great cause 
of temperance and morality ; protect the workmen from every 
accident, and long preserve this structure from decay, and grant 
to us all a supply of the corn of nourishment, the wine of refresh- 
ment, and the oil of joy. Amen. 

Respoxse — So mote it be. 

Graxd Master. — The grand honors will now be given. Atten- 
tion ! Together, brethren ! 

The grand honors were then given by three times 
three. 

The Grand Master liaving seen and inspected the 
plan of the building, returned it, with the working 
tools, to the architect, and said : 

Mr. Architect: These plans having been adopted by the 
Trustees of the Asylum, and approved by us, we return them to 
you, together with these implements of your art, with the hope 
that under your skillful guidance the building may progress to 
completion with all due speed, and that it may long remain as an 
ornament of your skill as an architect, and the enterprise of those 
who projected the design. 

The Grand Master then declared the ceremonies 
completed and the stone laid in ample form, and 
proceeded to deliver the following Address. 



ADDRESS. 

Brethren and Friends : -^- The new and noble 
enterprise which the heart of benevolence planned, and 
the hand of mercy has urged upon the munificence of 
the State, has now been formally inducted. The im- 
plements of practical architecture have been applied, 
and the foundation stone has been laid according to 
the rules of that ancient science ; but we, who stand 
here, the operative laborers of the hive, may be in- 
dulged, if in our true character as speculative masons 
we look forward to the consummation, and also hail 
the laying of the cap stone. It has been deemed the 
province of the Free Masons ia the civilized countries 
of the earth, for the past rolling centuries, to inaugu- 
rate such enterprises as this, and in the quaint old 
style of the craft, approve the beginning, and crave 
blessings on the end. There is no mysticism in such 
an act. The square, the level, and the plumb, have 
each to us their instructive and speaking lessons, and 
their " language has literally gone throughout the 
earth, and their words to the end of the world." I 
need not here repeat them, for they have grown as 
familiar as the lessons of childhood. The prompt- 
ings of duty have brought us to this gpot, ami with 
the heartfelt thanks we owe to the friends of the 
asylum for permitting us as a Fraternity to bear a 
humble part in this great undertaking, are mingled 
cordial sympathies in its objects, The watchwords of 

17 



18 



the Free Mason are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth ; 
and what enterprise of the day embodies more of these 
virtues than that which this edifice is designed to 
effect ? 

Looking, then, beyond the scenes of the present 
hour, its imposing array, its thronging multitude, and 
its aspects of joy and gladness, our prophetic fancy 
depicts a stately structure, not like most of the fanes 
of an Eastern world, devoted to the outward formali- 
ties of religion, not a temple of Mammon, not the abode 
of cold and haughty grandeur, but dedicated to the 
noble purposes of rescuing man from the abject slavery 
of his own appetites and passions ; to assist him to cast 
off a debasing sensual thraldom, and to stand erect 
once more among his fellows in the pride and dignity 
of the manhood he had abjured. We, who seek to 
shelter the widow from the storms of life, and to stay 
and direct the future steps of orphanage, feel our 
heart's warmest emotions drawn out in behalf of the 
more than childless mother, the worse than widowed 
wife, and the crushed heart of childhood, whose great 
sorrow it is, that it is not fatherless. If our great 
State could rescue humanity from wandering amid the 
tombs, bereft of reason, it was worthy of a civilized and 
Christian Government to erect an asylum, where the 
self-destroying victim of intemperance could be restored 
to reason and usefulness, once more clothed in his right 
mind, and to bring light and joy and peace again to 
the family circle. 

My brethren, the scenes of this instructing cere- 
monial should not be without their deep practical 
teachings to you. We make Temperance one of the 



19 

perfect points of entrance into our brotherhood ; let 
it be to ns more than a mere speculative idea ; some- 
thing more than a feature in our ritual. If the tools 
of our craft be each of them a teacher and a preacher 
of moral truth, let not the repetition of those truths 
cause our ears to grow so dull of hearing as to convey 
no impulse to the soul ; and God grant that no one of 
you, my brethren, may so far forget the lessons he has 
learned beside our humble altars as to be a future 
inmate within these walls — a driveling, self-abandoned 
recipient of this noble charity. 

Acting upon the square, walking by the plumb, and 
treading with careful footsteps upon the level of time 
toward the coming eternity, let our lives and conduct 
be our champions against the breath of ^reproach and 
the tongue of slander. Sectarian divisions have never 
yet divided us, political strife among us has never 
invaded our quiet retreat ; do not let the allurements 
of pleasure or the impulses of passion mar the beauti- 
ful proportions of our great spiritual temple, which the 
storms of wordly contention have hitherto assailed in 
vain. 

So shall it be when we lie down upon the bed of 
death, and kind hands shall lay us away in the grave, 
that our surviving brethren may bend over us and 
say, the u corner-stone of his moral and Masonic edifice 
was well laid and found to be true, tried and trusty, 
and he has become fitted as a living stone for that 
spiritual building, that house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens." 



20 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, 

BY HON. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, OF NEW YORK, PRESIDENT OF THE 
CORPORATION. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow - Citizens and 
Feiends: — The nature and design, the necessity and 
importance of the work this day begun by the New 
York State Inebriate Asylum, will be fully explained 
by gentlemen qualified to address you, and whom I 
shall presently have the honor to introduce to this 
assembly. 

I shall not encroach upon their province, but shall 
proceed, at once, to perform the duty to which I am 
officially called. This is, first, to express, in behalf of 
the Board of Trustees, to the citizens of Binghamton, 
whose enlightened and munificent liberality has be- 
stowed on us the ample domain within whose inclosure 
we have now come together, our sincere and most 
hearty thanks for this noble offering. It gives us all 
that we need, and more than we could have ventured 
to expect — a site for our buildings, elevated, airy, and 
conspicuous, yet easily accessible; near, and yet suf- 
ficiently retired from, a large and flourishing town, 
seated at the confluence of beautiful rivers, and con- 
nected by canal and railroads with every part of the 
State, and especially with its chief centres of trade and 
population — land happily adapted for gardens, walks, 
and farming purposes, with a right to water from 
perennial springs in adjoining premises, affording an 
abundant supply, both for ornament and use, of this 
invaluable element; and to fill the measure of our 
advantages, a landscape on every side, of wide extent 



21 



and surpassing loveliness, combining, in harmonious 
variety, hill and dale, rivers, valleys, forests and moun- 
tain-tops, with the habitations of man and the noblest 
creations of his inventive power. For this solid and 
most acceptable proof of their philanthropy, we repeat 
our thanks to the citizens of Binghamton. 

I am also to make, in behalf of the Trustees, to our 
friends of the Masonic Fraternity, who have assisted on 
this occasion, our acknowledgments for their valuable 
aid and for their sympathy with our object. 

It only remains that I should declare, as I now most 
gladly do, that the stone just laid in your presence is 
the corner-stone of the building to be erected by the 
Corporation, of the New York State Inebriate Asylum, 
for the purposes of its . charter. May the structure 
which is to rise from this foundation be built and 
kept by Him, without whose help and benediction all 
human endeavors are vain and valueless. May sound 
judgment and discretion, faithfulness and zeal, sym- 
pathy and kindness, be richly given to all who from 
time to time shall rule or manage the Institution, and 
more especially to those under whose professional 
treatment and control the inmates shall be placed. 

Here may that peculiar form of human frailty and 
suffering and sorrow to whose relief it will be dedi- 
cated, find a sheltering and secure retreat; and may 
peaqe and order, wisdom and love, grace ami consola- 
tion ever dwell within its walls. By such kindly and 
renovating influences may those who shall report to it, 
be encouraged to enter ami to delight in the path of 

reason, temperance, ami duty ; be confirmed in ewry 
£ood purpose; be redeemed from the bondage of qvi] 

habits ; and be made, lor all future time, strong, stead- 



22 



fast and victorious. By skillful and appropriate treat- 
ment, by communion with nature in that garniture of 
beauty and magnificence in which she is here arrayed, 
by manly and invigorating exercise and labor ; by 
quiet and refreshing studies, by new habits of sobriety 
and self-control, and by the supporting grace of God, 
may the weak be strengthened, the desponding com- 
forted, the fallen lifted up, the morally lost and dead 
be found and made alive again. Recovered of their 
maladies and restored to themselves, may they carry 
with them, from this house of healing, such soundness 
of body and of mind, as shall fit them for assuming a 
right and useful place in the domestic circle and in the 
communities to which they belong — some to shine 
again as luminaries in the constellations from which 
they may have fallen ; others to become sources and 
centres of incalculable good to their families and 
friends ; and each — even the humblest — to give to 
some stricken but loving heart the purest of earthly 
joys — that of receiving again, safe and sound, one who 
had been given up as hopelessly estranged from the path 
of usefulness, and wholly lost to the sweet charities of 
life. The work of mercy we begin to-day has been 
conceived, as we humbly hope, in the very spirit of 
Him who came to heal the broken-hearted, and who 
went about doing good. God grant to us, for His 
sake, to see the fulfillment of our wishes and endear- 
ments, in the restoration of many — bone of our bone, 
and flesh of our flesh — now the victims of a condition 
the saddest and most deplorable, to the duties, the 
dignities, and hopes of rational, immortal, heaven-des- 
cended and heaven-aspiring men ! 



23 



Me. Butler resumed his seat amid loud applause. 

The President then introduced to the Assembly Dr. John W. 
Francis, of New York, who delivered the following Address, on 
the objects and necessities of the institution. 






OPENING ADDRESS. 

BY JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D., LL. D. 

Gentlemen : I return you my sincere thanks for the 
honor you have assigned me in the exercises of this 
day, and for the favorable reception I have met. You 
all know that I present myself before you, on this 
occasion, rather at your solicitation than from my own 
choice. Resistance proving unavailing, I am here with 
you, and trust that, however imperfectly the duty com- 
mitted to me may be discharged, you will bear in recol- 
lection that my ardent hopes are cherished for the 
success of your noble undertaking, and that I shall 
neglect no proper measure for the furtherance of 
your great design. A half-century or more, has 
repeatedly placed me in peculiar circumstances, but 
never until this time have I been awakened to higher 
responsibilities, when contemplating the vast movement 
now entered upon for the benefit of humanity, and 
the elevation of our race. Minds matured by the 
experience of practical life, philosophers imbued with 
the wisdom of rich culture, divines who have enriched 
the principles of religious faith by the potent example 
of good works, scholars whose closet elaborations have ■ 
excited emotions of a wide philanthropy, and the 
eminent members of the liberal professions of every 
calling, have all, all coalesced, as one body, to organize 



25 



a plan worthy so illustrious a group of individualities, 
and which, in its issues, is destined to constitute an 
era in the progress of the social relationship of man. 

You will tolerate me, when I affirm, before so vast 
and enlightened assembly, that the glory of a nation 
does not depend solely upon the multitude of its peo- 
ple, nor upon the richness of its soil, the mildness of 
its climate, or its wide domain ; neither is it to be in- 
ferred from wealth appropriated to the arts, or to the 
refinements of taste. Blessings like these we indeed 
recognize, and can appreciate. There is a still higher 
aim, there are other attainments to be secured, if we 
would ennoble those faculties which a beneficent 
Creator has endowed us with ; if we would elevate 
man to his proper and inherent dignity ; if Ave would 
awaken that knowledge which teaches us we are not 
born for ourselves alone ; but that our existence is a 
divine gift ; that our physical and mental powers are 
bestowed for wisest ends ; that the obligations of 
man to man are reciprocal, and that our talents are 
not to be wasted on ignoble and unworthy objects. 
Those mysterious powers and faculties which Heaven 
has vouchsafed for our needs, and which give to man 
his pre-eminence in creation, by a wise law, are the 
immediate, agents from which spring up our physical 
wants while sojourners here ; and through which, 
indeed, our highest spiritual edification is at length 
realized. The due observance of the laws of life is 
our imperative duty, and to become proficients in the 
fulfilment of these behests, is the prerogative granted 
us by our Maker. To rear up that fabric, then 
so divinely constructed; to cultivate its development, 



26 



to guard it against those annoyances which might 
impair its strength and mar its usefulness, during its 
allotted duration, are the sacred duties enjoined upon 
us. A responsible mission, you will admit. 

Reflections like these, or of a kindred nature, must 
have had their weight on the minds of the benevolent 
and patriotic individuals who originated the institution, 
the corner-stone of which is this day adjusted in its 
appropriate spot. To give the fullest demonstration 
of the fact, that the wholesome leaven which worked 
out so many good results among our primitive settlers, 
in earlier days, has not abated of its excellence, by 
amalgamation, in our cosmopolitan State ; to add one 
other to the long list of great charities which signalize 
New York, is the cause of the gathering together of 
this vast assembly ; and the exclusive purposes which 
its benefactors design to fulfill, give it a significance 
and importance equally remarkable. 

You can anticipate me in the declaration that such 
views of life, the nature of which I have thus briefly 
stated, have for several years been entertained by the 
original projectors of this hospital, and animated their 
exertions. It was by no means too bold an assump- 
tion on their part, to argue that inebriety is the dead- 
liest foe to man's health of body and integrity- of intel- 
lect ; that a general distrust of the capacity of such an 
individual, to discharge faithfully the offices of life, is 
a perpetual obstacle to confidence, none will dispute ; 
and that he only could profitably fulfill the responsi- 
bilities of a member of the common fraternity of man- 
kind, who is actually free from the vice of intemper- 
ance. The venerable Hippocratic precept, embalmed 



27 



in the classical satire of Juvenal, touching the proper 
condition of a faithful agent in the business of life had 
not escaped tfre recollection of our philanthropic pro- 
jectors : 

* Mens sana in corpore sano. 

I have more or less implied that the health of a 
nation is the first and paramount condition to be aimed 
at by a wise legislation. However high may be the 
estimate we form of the blessings of education, even 
the privileges secured to the cultivated intellect are 
blighted when trammeled by moral and physical in- 
firmities. The obstacles which knowledge encounters 
when thus associated, forfeits its wonted majesty and 
reduces its possessor below the level of positive ignor- 
ance ; and what avails the parchment of the most 
erudite scholar, when he is lost to the dignity of moral 
worth. The unfortunate victim himself is unable to 
fathom the depths of his own disgrace, or conceive the 
impotency of all his learning. Moreover, the inward 
reproaches of such a sufferer not merely give manifest- 
ations often irrational to the beholder, but demonstra- 
tions of remorse inexplicable to all rules of reason. 

A dominant cause whose insidious operations were 
felt and known to be so extensive and pernicious, could 
not fail in its melancholy displays to strike the philan- 
thropic bosom with dismay and sorrow; a common 
enemy, thus armed with the weapd&fi o\ l destruction, 
demanded provision for the assailed, to meet the exi- 
geneies of the times; thinking* men, with Jeep anxie- 
ties had long looked forward tor some measure of 
relief when necessity would urge certain mean- 



28 



practical character to abate the sufferings of the people ; 
and thanks to Almighty God, the keen sagacity of our 
disinterested founders has called in requisition the safe, 
the abiding, the effective plan best calculated to cir- 
cumscribe the direful evil, and liberate society from the 
burden of its disgrace and misery. 

The annals of medical literature have long borne 
testimony to the ravages which inebriation has inflicted 
on the world, and forensic enactments have struggled 
with thousand devices to mitigate the evil and guard 
the - interests of society. Different nations have at 
different times promulgated laws more or less lenient 
or severe : sometimes drunkenness might be looked 
upon as a mere matter of police ; and at other periods, 
summoning legal provisions indicating the magnitude 
of the crime. The moral phases of the calamity seem 
to have been too generally overlooked. 

The appalling extent of intemperance in the earlier 
part of the present century, both in foreign lands and 
in our own country, gave origin to Temperance Socie- 
ties. Casual appeals to reason had left no impression 
on the mind, and invectives were pronounced the off- 
sj)ring of sinister motives : the pride of individual 
opinion frowned down tjie counsels of the deliberate 
head. Individual efforts at reform consequently failed, 
and association was adopted. This great measure, the 
offspring of American sagacity, originated in 1826, and 
it is due to truth, for services rendered, to say that to 
the able writings and unwearied labors of the vener- 
able Dr. Lyman Beecher, we are under greater obliga- 
tions for this benignant project, than to any other 
individual, numerous and weighty as have been the 



29 



co-laborers in the great cause. I cannot at present 
attempt an account of these Temperance Associations, 
or notice the various methods adopted "by them at 
different periods of their organization, whatever excep- 
tion may be taken to errors of theory or its occasional 
mode of assertion. I think I shall have the concur- 
rence of all, when I assert that a large amount of good 
to individuals, to families, nay, to the Kepublic at large, 
has been accomplished by them : their pledges have 
not been without their use, and I fondly trust that the 
Temperance advocates may not lessen their efforts in 
their godlike work, governed by a wise, conservative 
principle, which may enlarge their sphere of usefulness 
and accomplish their fundamental and laudable ends. 
Their literature has given them a wide renown ; while 
it has been ample, it has proved wholesome in its 
nature and rich in illustration. 

The few and imperfect remarks which I have 
already made, will supersede any lengthened disquisi- 
tion on the expediency of the measures proposed to be 
adopted this day. Profitable as in many respects it 
might be, to allude still further to those latent sources 
of the evils we complain of, it would be presumptuous 
in me longer to detain you with expressions of regret 
at the enormous crimes and wide-spread Bufferings 
which intemperance has brought upon the land, or 
point out the difficulties and defects of our present 
therapeutical or remedial processes. The conflicting 
laws on the subject, for the benefit oi' the social com- 
pact, bewilder philosophy, and too often set at naught 
the sober judgment of the wisest, when viewed with 
the express design to alleviate the community of the 



30 



penalties of inebriety. The soundest of jurists have 
apprehended the greatest evils, when drunkenness has 
been set up as a defence, or as a mitigation of crime. 
With the ancient Greeks, those who committed viola- 
tions in law, while in a state of intoxication, were 
doomed to double punishment ; while among us, in 
our own day, we too often find the saddest misdeeds, 
the offspring of that degraded state, followed by no 
penalty whatever. From this uncertain state of 
legislation little benefit can follow, and the pestilence 
is still rife, with all our sanitary devices. A new con- 
dition, a radical change is demanded to be wrought 
among the people. If national charater is not to be 
degraded into a proverb, a mighty reform in thought 
and in habit is to be effected, and man is to be re- 
garded, not as a machine, but as a reflecting and 
responsible being. It may be asserted, without quali- 
fication, that the moral sentiment of the people is to 
be elevated. "We must inculcate a detestation of the 
crime of the inebriate with an earnestness at least equal 
to the approbation we would bestow on the actions of 
the virtuous and the wise. The duty to punish offenses 
is always painful ; to prevent them may be deemed 
neither invidious nor painful. In the latter case, we 
may often find reward in the acquiescence of him who 
acknowledges the benefit. We must feel, moreover, 
that man is too precious to be left to self-destruction, 
and every suggestion which philosophy can make, 
every principle which experience can teach, every 
motive which religion and humanity can awaken, is to 
be summoned to the regeneration. 

The wonderful age in which we are permitted to 



31 



live, has been fertile in devices for man's benefit. His 
physical nature, his mental appetites, his creature com- 
forts, all have excited the attention of the benevolent, 
the provident, and the wise ; and our rank is still high 
among civilized nations, for the probity of our General 
and State Governments, for their watchful care and 
parental wisdom, to promote our common prosperity, 
and for the regard which has been bestowed on the 
poor, the illiterate, and the unfortunate, of every order, 
and of every clime. Well-directed efforts have charac- 
terized our social proceedings in this era of liberal 
appropriations. Contributions from all quarters have 
flowed in, for the advancement of praiseworthy objects, 
and cheering results, both in public and private affairs, 
have crowned our labors. 

But time engenders circumstances, and momentous 
occurrences arise in the revolution of affairs ; and, as 
if our condition was ever to be progressive, light is 
constantly shedding its benignant rays with increased 
power and splendor, and unfolding to probationary 
man new views and striking phenomena but partially 
observed before, new principles, hitherto overlooked, 
new problems for solution, new demands for the exer- 
cise of his talents, new stimuli for his nature, and new 
arguments for the extension of his philanthropy. The 
laws of his nature render him capable of imbibing wis- 
dom with every revolving day, and his studies advance 
with his acquisitions. Progress, progress, is the order 
of the day — excelsior is the standard. The casual 
expedient of a former time may have become, and 
wisely, too, a fixed and permanent appliance ; the sug- 
gestion of an indifferent moment may have matured 



32 



principles of enduring efficacy; what was once pro- 
nounced visionary, may have secured to itself, in the 
evolution of time, a great reality. This is the course 
of discovery ; it is no more nor less than the develop- 
ment of art, the history of philosophy — and it will 
ever render the calm surveyor of human affairs, and 
the unprejudiced observer, the deliberate judge and 
the deferential critic. The hopeful spirit is strength- 
ened, while contemplating the parable of the mustard- 
seed, with the changes and the results which the pro- 
gress of time achieves. 

Everybody is acquainted with the fact, how Frank- 
lin, by his kite, demonstrated the identity of lightning 
and electricity. When that ingenious man left his 
study, and set out for the banks of the Schuylkill, to 
divine the great problem, I dare say, individual strag- 
glers might have been seen on the road, making merry 
at his fanciful notions. But his child-like apparatus 
developed what is now universally called the science 
of electricity. He thus became the founder and the 
illustrator of an entire and distinct branch of knowl- 
edge ; and the annals of philosophy record not such 
another name associated with so vast a demonstration. 
Electricity has become the expositor of untold mys- 
teries ; it has penetrated into the hidden nature of the 
physical world; it has called into active agency the 
dormant principles of matter ; it has developed the 
secrets of creation ; and not a new law in discovery is 
made manifest, without its agency : by it, the sunbeam 
has become the mighty artist ; by it, the telegraph is 
made an intellectual medium for universal man. Yes ! 
'tis but as yesterday, that the people of a vast conti- 



33 

nent were offering up to Heaven shouts of joy, and 
laudations in testimony to the noble, the mighty, the 
magical achievement of this great and scientific age, it- 
latest performance having its legitimate origin from 
the childish plaything, Dr. Franklin's kite ! Are we 
not to derive wisdom from the past ? A thought in 
its progress has enlightened the world ! The amber- 
witch has stretched her wings across the broad Atlan- 
tic ; and what was once confined within a thimble, 
expands itself in uniting two hemispheres. Such are 
the gifts of philosophy to mortals ; such are the fruits 
of that education, which researches into the laws of 
creation yield, and which so instructively vindicate 
the wisdom of the Omnipotent. 

If these are the rewards of physical investigation, 
let me ask, are the higher and more intricate branches 
of philosophical culture less prolific of blessings ? Is 
the study of that wonderful microcosm, man, to be 
looked upon with less deference than we bestow upon 
material things? Is the preservation of that link in 
the chain of being, by which the continuance of the 
species is perpetuated, a subject of indifference? Is 
the integrity of that organization, which secures the 
intellectual faculties in their divine harmony, a second- 
ary object ; and are we to remain listless in our inquiries 
into those causes which disturb and ruin its healthy 
condition, which substitute insanity and idiocy tor its 
controlling powers? Are there no lessons of wisdom 
to be taught from that change, which convert- the 
sober into the drunken, happiness into misery ; which 
gives to delusion the wildest fancies, ami transforms 
the lovely and attractive into the hideous ami repul- 



34 



sive ; that abrogates reason with all her boasted pre- 
rogatives ? Are we forbidden to scrutinize those canses 
which, in their insidious advancement, lead the tem- 
poral and the transient into the fixed and permanent ; 
which, by a multiplying power in their successive 
operation, work a change which, at first considered as 
a momentary delirium, is finally settled into an absolute 
insanity ? The dethroned mind is a study beyond the 
classics of the schoolmen. And oh, its hereditary 
entail ! In short, there is no controverting this preg- 
nant declaration, that the primary origin or predispo- 
sition, the actual essence of this calamity, is often 
traceable to this latent cause, and matter itself is thus 
rendered more or less subordinate to mental impulse 
and nervous irritability. Special instances of this fact 
have fallen under the cognizance of every practical 
physician ; and the Scripture truth, that the sins of the 
parent are visited on the offspring, holds good with 
the corruptions of inebriety, as with other infirmities 
of our human nature. 

This is no fancy sketch ; the ethical history of our 
country presents the agonizing truth in broadest illus- 
tration. The people at large know it, and acknowledge 
it. The holy expositor, at his sacred desk, feels it. 
The forensic physiologist is taxed with labored cogita- 
tion by it. As a medical man, I might fill an ample 
page in confirmation, at which philanthropy might 
weep, and despair usurp the hopes of the most tolerant 
humanist. 

I am aware that the age itself is in part amenable 
for the sufferings which individuals endure, and for 
the extension of that calamity we so much lament. 



35 



Intemperance is at our very threshold; pernicious 
habits are contagious, and man is an imitative animal. 
How multiform the agents that have wrought tlii.s 
gloomy state ; what a mine of iniquity have we to 
explore to comprehend their respective bearings, even 
in individual examples. The spirit of enterprise is 
potent and pervading: profitable or munificent results 
wait, at least in prospective, upon every measure. 
The vital forces of our race are taxed beyond their 
normal equilibrium ; body and mind have compara- 
tive little repose ; there is no holiday for the soul ; the 
stimulus of gain, or other vanity, creates inordinate 
pulsations in every heart. Its seductive power leads 
captive the low and the vulgar, the high and the 
refined; it beats at every breast. Do we wonder that 
the expended energies demand supplies ; temptation 
is thus doubly powerful ; hence, then, the artificial 
excitement which in so many ways renders life a forced 
state of existence. The enticing draught, whether 
from the golden goblet or the pewter mug, finds favor 
with every order of society — the peasant and the 
ruler, the mechanic, the artist, and he who aims to 
dignify the walks of professional life. Moreow :\ 
besides all these, we have the concurring influene 
a climate characterized by extremes of temperature, a 
people of a susceptible and nervous temperament ; we 
have unbounded freedom of action ; parental restraint 
is scarcely known ; and, more unfortunate still, tie 
suller the penalty of unsettled legislation, and inopera- 
tive and lax laws. 

But not to enlarge this catalogue of direful circum- 
stances, which clearly do the work el' misery, have we 



36 



not reasons of the most binding and imperative nature, 
to unite as one man, to quicken our zeal in the execu- 
tion of the great work now contemplated, to perfect 
that design which has so long absorbed your care, and 
summoned to the profoundest deliberation the highest 
faculties of your nature ? Surely, with the present 
elevated state of medical science; it is not arrogating 
too much to cherish the belief that public opinion will 
not be diminished in its confidence, and that public 
morals, and the social habits of the times, will be 
improved by your munificent measures. 

Citizens of the State of New York ! This mighty 
gathering is demonstrative of the deep interest the 
public feel in the transactions now occurring before 
you. On this day is laid the foundation of a new tem- 
ple, devoted to science and humanity ; and it has been 
decided to build up and sustain, for present, and for 
after time, a Hospital, for the exclusive benefit of a 
class of sufferers, the most pitiable of all patients ; to 
rear a charity for the intemperate — most significantly 
called an Asylum for Inebriates. God speed the 
work ! It is a proud event in my life, to be present 
with you on this occasion. Your undertaking is colos- 
sal ; it is a vast conception ; it is an index of the signs 
of the times ; and you have only done justice to the 
present elevated condition of psychological knowledge, 
and the capacity of the age, by your noble movements. 
It is no compliment to say, that this town of Bingham- 
ton, by its great endowment, has evinced a noble 
patriotism. The site selected for your charity, is such 
as taste approves, and judgment confirms, as singularly 
calculated for the salutary ends you have in view. Its 



37 



rural attributes give it additional charms, for mental 
recreation and physical improvement. Your archi- 
tectural plans possess an adaptation which the best 
experience in hygienic affairs announces to be of great 
excellence. Their extent betokens an advantageous 
retreat for the enfeebled inmate, and the harrowed 
soul. I see in them no niggardly expedients, to crip- 
ple, in any manner, the sublime purposes you conteni 
plate. These you may consider strong terms, in ac- 
knowledgment of the labors already performed ; but 
how are they multiplied, when the almost incredible 
declaration is proclaimed, that the Inebriate Hospital 
is a new minister in the service of man : its commission 
is original; it has no example, either in the Old, or in 
the New World ; it has no precedent to follow ; it tri- 
umphs in the novelty of its great intent ; it is primary 
in an exalted work — in an exclusive purpose — to 
secure the inebriate from degradation and death, and 
restore to society, to families, to relatives and friends, 
their hopeless members. With such a theme before 
me, dare I rest satisfied with a subdued language ? 
In the whole range of useful undertakings, has human- 
ity ever assumed a more exalted work ? 

Does a doubt float in the minds of any who now 
hear me, that such an issue may flow from this new 
hospital ; that the great changes of place, and scenery, 
and habits of life, the radical alterations determined 
upon in the discipline of the hospital itself, the novel, 
impressive, and delectable associations which may be 
formed by congenial intercourse, by books, by the 
judicious treatment of body and mind, which medical 
science enjoins, under the direction of approved phy- 



sicians, will possess a power adequate to the accom- 
plishment of such blessed results ? Yours is no tenta- 
tive measure, in its minute details ; common sense, and 
practical principles, come in as controlling agents in 
your behalf. Let me, then, tell the doubter, that pro- 
fessional skill and adjuvants, such as I have enumerat- 
ed, have saved many victims to drunkenness from an 
untimely grave, and restored faculties of the highest 
order, once prostrate, to the exercise of their wonted 
duties and usefulness. 

Is it uncharitable to consider inebriety a disease, 
often of the worst form that afflicts man ? Every 
physician of experience will tell you of his own suffer- 
ings and trials in encountering cases of that agonizing 
character, and of the discouragements he has met with, 
lest the prospect of that sad termination of the disor- 
der, in insanity and idiocy might be realized. It is 
the close resemblance which Inebriety bears to Mad- 
ness — it is the approximation of the infirmity to insani- 
ty itself, often in its mildest forms, which has hitherto 
proved the great barrier to our successful treatment. 
But this vast difficulty, great as it is, has lessened with 
quotidian experience in modern times, and is now 
actually the anchor of our hope, amid the perplexities 
which once encompassed us. "What was the condition 
and treatment of the insane some fifty years ago, both 
abroad and at home, at the period at which was 
established our first mad-house, under the charge of 
Dr. Archibald Bruce, on the hospital grounds in Broad- 
way ? The near relation of psychology and physi- 
ology was then wholly disregarded. The influence of 
functional life was hardly noticed. At that day, the 



39 



lunatic was looked upon with horror, and as irrecover- 
ably lost to himself and to the world. This, however 
was but the adoption of the common practice of 
enlightened Europe at that period. How limited was 
our art concerning the mind, and its operations in a 
diseased state! How indiscriminate were our noso- 
logical distinctions, as to causes and effects in mental 
disorders — how sluggish was inquiry into constitu- 
tional peculiarities, hereditary influences, inter- mar- 
riages, and the too often concealed agencies operated 
upon by habits, temperament, and the like ! The 
blockhead and the child of genius were gazed upon 
with like apathy, through the same .mirror. TTith 
such oversights, do we marvel that the straight-jacket 
constituted the pharmacopoeia ; and is it too much to 
say, that the remedial treatment of that period must 
have often been as mad as the patient ? 

Let us reverse the picture, and see what has been 
the reform effected during the generation just passed. 
The great amelioration in the treatment of the insane 
commenced under the sagacious Pinel, of Paris, at the 
Bicetre, and at the Retreat at York, in England, 
under the direction of Samuel Take, by the introduc- 
tion of the moral management. The details of the 
system are too long for enumeration here. The vast 
abuses which had crept into the lunatic asylums of 
Great Britain, called for Parliamentary inquiry ; ami 
in lSlf)-16, the fruits of their labors were made 
known — the public attention was engrossed on the 
subject". It was my good luck, while a visitor abroad 
at t lint time, personally to survey all the prominent 
institutions devoted to insanity in the United Kim;- 



40 

dom, and those of Holland, Belgium, and Paris. I 
could add to the testimony of the Committee's Eeport 
confirmatory matter, from actual inspection. The dis- 
cipline and treatment in many of the institutions were 
degrading to humanity, and a sad comment on the 
pathological doctrines of the day. The everlasting 
night which encompassed the afflicted lunatic, and the 
bolts, and bars, and manacles, which he endured, 
evinced little science of the disease, and still less of the 
method of cure. But knowledge has at length winged 
her way even an to the intricacies of the human mind. 
The dark and noisome cell has been converted into the 
attractive parlor, and the spacious hall. Hygienic 
principles have rejected the loathsome arrangements 
suggested by ignorance and indifference ; seclusion is 
adopted but in rare cases ; everything is now substitut- 
ed to produce a change of thought, break up morbid 
continuity, and lead to diversion of mind ; occupation 
and amusements are devised, in place of listlessness ; 
light, and air, and exercise admitted into the room of 
sequestered idleness and brooding melancholy. Old 
associations are broken up ; old things done away, and 
all things, as far as practicable, made new. The dis- 
ordered state of the brain and the sensitive nerves are 
furnished with appropriate appliances, and a materia 
medica employed, with the cautious inferences of diag- 
nosis and pathological study. JSTo longer is a special 
day set apart for this or that class of heroic remedies, 
to harass the vitals of the unfortunate inmate. Tues- 
day is not appropriated for emetics, nor Friday to cath- 
artics, as I was informed was pursued at Bethlehem, 
according to astrological science, I inferred. Nor is 



41 



the patient subjected to the severe flagellation which 
George III. received, at the earnest request of his con- 
sulting physician, Dr. Willis. The aged monarch 
never forgot those cruel stripes, nor could he ever 
after permit Willis to be in his presence. We are in- 
debted to Dr. Rush for the disclosure of this remarka- 
ble fact ; it was long concealed, by covert obligations. 
Those manacles, and ponderous chains (which, by the 
by, were heavier in Holland than I saw elsewhere), 
whose clanging sounds seem even now to reverberate 
in my ears, are stricken off, and the lunatic rejoices in 
the habiliments of a man. 

Let all praise be given to Pinel, to Pritchard, Bur- 
rows, Esquirol, Connelly, Ray, and others, who have 
so successfully studied the philosophy of mind, and 
so happily alleviated its hallucinations ! 

The earliest movements abroad of the Reform-prac- 
tice on insanity were soon comprehended by the promi- 
nent men of New York. The philanthropic Thomas 
Eddy and De Witt Clinton were early possessed of 
the leading facts, and these public worthies were well 
supported by those unimpeachable citizens of the City 
of New York, Matthew Clarkson, Jonathan Goodhue, 
Robert Bowne, Isaac Collins, Samuel Wood, and 
others, of like worth. I have the best reasons to know 
how assiduously Thomas Eddy, in particular, maintain- 
ed an active correspondence on the great subject, with 
the excellent Samuel Tuke, o\' York, with William 
Roscoe, of Liverpool, and Patrick Golquhoun, of Lon- 
don. 

The noble g*ant of the State, for the support of the 
New York Hospital, and the Bloomingdale Asylum 



42 



for the Insane, had just been secured by legislative 
enactment, and nothing could have been more timely 
than the intelligence from abroad on Lunacy. The 
Bloomingdale Asylum took its rise with the leading 
improvements ; the moral management, or treatment, 
was carried out, and New York thus secured the honor 
of being the first of the States to illustrate the benefits 
of the great innovation. Justice to the benevolence 
of the American character, demands that it be re- 
corded, that, in this country, the mere personal 
security of maniacal patients, by chains and manacles, 
was comparatively rarely pressed into service. Indeed, 
the whole number of mortals afflicted with insanity, 
throughout the Union, had not probably, in the aggre- 
gate, greatly exceeded, in the weight of their iron 
fetters, that stated of the memorable case of JNTorris, 
by Haslam, of Bethlehem Hospital. The cell of 
Norris, with its peculiar furniture, seemed to me to ap- 
pear more like the shop of Vulcan, than as the apart- 
ment of an afflicted patient. 

Let me put the question, before I close, with the 
sincerity which its importance demands. If such be 
the results which modern discovery and experience 
have wrought in the management and treatment of 
insanity in general, have we not strong and cheering 
evidence to infer, that that particular form of the dis- 
ease which the projected Asylum for Inebriates con- 
templates to admit as its inmates, may be disciplined 
with equal success. A thousand causes can readily be 
specified for the origin of the thousand protean forms 
or types which insanity may assume, and yet in the 
midst of so many difficulties, science has triumphed, 



43 



and statistics have announced her conquests. Eead 
the clinical reports of the Asylum at Utica, of the 
Bloomingdale, and of others in different parts of the 
Union. We may safely say the old system of practi- 
cal torture is overthrown. The professors of the heal- 
ing art have no reason to blush at this result. What- 
ever praises we may bestow on the investigations of 
the metaphysician, the voice of truth must award the 
triumph to the recondite labors of modern medical 
science. 

The Hospital for Inebriates is to be appropriated 
exclusively to one class of inmates, and, although that 
class is a formidable one, the physician is not to be dis- 
tracted in searching into the immediate cause ; let the 
characteristics of the disorder vary however much, let 
it be called mania, or melancholia, inebriety, or mania- 
a-potu, delirium tremens, hallucination, or by any 
other name, the agent that has induced the calamity 
we recognize to be drunkenness or intemperance ; and 
here is much knowledge for the prescriber, already at 
hand, to begin with. The predisposing or remote 
causes, and all else requisite to the full comprehension 
of the individual case, will, of necessity, fall within his 
cognizance. The light that has been thrown, in our 
own day, on the effects of inebriety, and its numerous 
morbid manifestations, like the great principles which 
modify modern practice with other forms of mental 
disorder, strengthens the oonviction that professional 
knowledge of the subject is advancing ami enlarging 
its powers. It was suggested to me, as a suitable topic 
for this openihg address, that I might give a profes- 
sional discourse on drnnkenness, describe its perversions 



44 



of the intellectual faculties, its moral degradation, and 
its ravages on organic life. Years ago I published, in 
a treatise called Bacchus, the anatomy of drunkenness ; 
and your primary projector of the Inebriate Asylum, 
your able coadjutor, Dr. Turner, has given us a tract 
of great value on the History and Pathology of the 
disease. The task, thus proposed, must have proved 
oppressive, both to the speaker and to his hearers, 
however briefly performed. The phenomena of insanity 
in general, and those of mania-a-potu in particular, 
have much in common. If there be little in their in- 
ception, there is often muck in their development 
The experienced physician will often be, at first sight, 
perplexed by that strange and anomalous combination 
of symptoms, which mark the direct influence of 
alcoholic stimuli on the vascular structure of the cere- 
bral organ ; and our sympathies are often awakened to 
the observance of a singular train of abnormal pecu- 
liarities : thus criminal accountability seems often to be 
set at naught, equally as in cases of other types of 
lunacy. Diseases of the understanding may arise 
from mental as well as from corporeal causes ; diseases 
of mind may induce physical changes of body; and 
organic changes of body may be the source of dis- 
turbed manifestations of mind. Pathology unfolds 
these truths, the knife of the anatomist renders them 
palpable. It is a well-founded axiom in our science, 
that physical causes influence the moral faculties. The 
keen susceptibilities of that harp of a thousand strings 
often control the actions of organic life, while the 
admitted fact is not to be gainsayed, that the feelings 



45 



and functions of existence are modified by a departure 
from the normal condition. 

Amid most unsettled knowledge, we may safely in- 
fer that organic changes are more frequently found in 
the bodies of inebriates than in those whose lament- 
able end has proceeded from what I may call idiopathic 
insanity. In the instances which I have made of post- 
mortem examinations of cadavers of the intemperate 
(and my opportunities have been ample, as medical 
witness in our courts), the ravages of disordered action 
have been displayed far more extensively in the great 
organs of functional life, than are found in cases of 
mental derangement from other causes. I omit de- 
tails : the brain, the heart, the lungs, the stomach, the 
liver, and kidneys, are most vulnerable to the influence 
of alcoholic potations, and it would be absurd to deny 
that the functional action of such organs broken up, 
would be otherwise than sadly detrimental to the 
profitable action of the cerebral mass. Old Mr. Fyfe 
told me he had witnessed, on the dissecting-table, the 
liver of fifty pounds weight, in the case of a diseased 
East India captain; but this, it was frankly admitted, 
was a rare fact, even to the Edinburgh anatomist. I 
never encountered so formidable a liver; it was of 
size sufficient to create bile for an army ; yet the prob- 
ability is, that it secreted not a particle. On the other 
hand, it has been again and again noticed, that that 
potent organ, the liver, has degenerated into almost a 
nonentity, by a sort of secret combustion, if I may 
indulge in the use of such language, and that its 
normal powers have been brought to the same state 
of inefficiency, by contraction or scirrhus. 



46 



It is impossible, at this time, to dwell upon the mor- 
bid appearances effected by drunkenness. Every fibre, 
every tissue of the body, is subjected to its all-pervad- 
ing influence. No part, however, demonstrates its sad 
ravages more frequently than the brain. The knife 
of the dissector shows the changes here to be many, 
and most afflicting. Inflammation, and adhesions, and 
effusions, perhaps, are the commonest forms of the al- 
tered state. The poison itself is often actually found 
in the ventricles of the brain, and upon the bony 
covering being removed, the exhalation of alcohol is 
strongly perceptible. Apply a lighted taper, and the 
process of combustion is in full force. This striking 
fact was first noticed by Dr. Cook, of London; but 
many have made the experiment with like results. 
Here, then, we have the brain on fire, saturated with 
the narcotic poison — and this I have seen in a subject, a 
habitual inebriate, twelve hours after his decease from 
an excessive debauch. As medical witness in numerous 
cases of criminal trials in New York, I have borne testi 
mony to the truth of these pathological facts derived 
from dissection, many of which I have performed. How 
wonderfully does all this seem to corroborate the 
opinion of old Judge Dagget, of Connecticut : " There 
is no more nourishment in alcohol," quotlji the vener- 
able Judge, " than in a stroke of lightning." 

What must be the peculiar condition of the intellec- 
tual faculties in those who become victims of inebria- 
tion, can readily be prognosticated. The poet Cowper 
most pathetically exclaims : " O the fever of the 
mind !" he had reference to general insanity, or melan- 
cholia. What language would the bard have used, 



47 

to give a faithful description of the sufferings of the 
alcoholic brain ? The brain is the seat and throne of 
the insidious conqueror ; and could it give utterance 
to its woes, no sorrow would be found of equal poign- 
ancy. 

So sad is the alteration of functional life in the ine- 
briate, that none can form an accurate idea of the dis- 
turbed and irregular manifestations of the forlorn vic- 
tim to alcohol, by description alone; they are to 
be witnessed, in order to reach the understanding. 
The adhesiveness of the intellectual powers is broken 
up — a solution of continuity of thought is the result. 
Memory is shattered at its very foundation ; this men- 
tal degradation leads to an utter disregard of truth ; 
and the lying faculty is an attribute that ever waits 
with proudest bearing, upon intemperance. All this 
is easily accounted for : the moral sense is perverted ; 
returning consciousness leads to irascibility ; the most 
dreadful acts are deemed by the deluded patient to 
be mere foibles; remorse may follow refutation, and 
lucky, indeed, is the case, if the disaster closes here. 

"With the facts which I have briefly stated, we are 
irresistibly led to the conclusion, that the disease of 
intemperance, like that of insanity, in its wide accep- 
tance, is to be controlled and regulated largely In- 
moral management, so great have been the advances 
in curative measures obtained by the persevering la- 
bors of medical men. Both classes of' sufferers were 
once treated in the same manner ; and often, in formid- 
able eases of each, opium administered, as in cholera, 
without limitation. Improved therapeutical measure^ 
are now interposed, because new principles determine 



48 

a new and more enlightened practice. We are led to 
another conclusion, that it is our duty early to seize 
the inebriate, for the better security of his restoration, 
to apply x those salutary principles in due season, and 
thus arrest the progress of organic changes, the great 
difficulty to encounter in chronic cases. Besides, we 
are ever to bear in mind, that no infirmity of our 
physical existence acquires by indulgence a greater 
proneness to repetition, and finally establishes a habit 
of deepest regret. But more than this : how lost is 
that condition, when the intellectual becomes subordi- 
nate to the material, and the will is compelled to yield 
its mastery to the all-conquering appetite ! Is not such 
a degradation lower than that of the beasts of the 
field ! Preventive means, therefore, are our firmest 
security ; and this hospital is largely to be regarded in 
that benignant system. 

It is not the spirit of innovation that has in any wise 
prompted the language or the sentiment of this address. 
The industry, the ability, and the disinterestedness 
which have been elicited in the performance of the 
great work before us, put at defiance all distrust as to 
purity of intention, directed by an honest desire to 
benefit society. Should any objection to a generous 
support of the contemplated organization derive coun- 
tenance from the belief promulgated by some, that we 
have already an abundance of charities, hospitals, 
asylums, alms-houses, and like establishments for the 
reception of inebriates, it may be remarked that these 
institutions, with all their excellence, are not fit retreats 
for the class of sufferers you hope to benefit. And so 
well comprehended is this great practical fact, that, of 



49 



late years, it has become a difficult business to obtain 
entrance for the victim to drunkenness within their walls. 
The doors of these institutions have indeed been repeat 
edly closed against such inmates, from incompatibility 
with the execution of their expressed designs. At this 
I do not marvel. A specific object is the groundwork 
of all the efforts now called in requisition by your 
present operations — to create a new-born institution, 
characterized by an adaption peculiar in its kind, the 
results of an advancement in the science of humanity. 

The progress thus far made for securing the final 
resources for the erection of this asylum has, I am 
informed, been the work principally of individual 
effort, generously applied, and the prompt support 
already advanced gives cheering hopes of ultimate 
success. A sound brain and a big heart, have been at 
work. Logical reasoning had awakened, years ago, in 
a noble breast, a broad and enlightened humanity, 
which, in the exercise of its wonted attributes, is 
destined to lead to an amelioration of the condition 
of civilization itself; and I think that mankind at large, 
so deeply interested in the measure, will, at no remote 
day, find pleasure in assigning to our devoted laborer — 
Dr. J. Edward Turner — the triumphs justly awarded 
to the disinterested philanthropist. 

There can be no doubt that the State will extend 
its powerful hand to this institution, as she so liberally 
does to our other charities, ami that the guardians o| 
the public welfare will apportion to it such revenue 
may be adequate to your wants. This would prove 
but an act of reciprocity honorable to all concerned. 
If the State stamps the vice, it thus furnishes the 



50 



remedy. An institution, such as that now under con- 
sideration, speaks not in anger, but in pathetic tones of 
caution, bearing its solemn, perpetual witness, with 
" slow, unmoving finger," from those now-rising walls, 
of the danger and calamity which flesh is heir to. 
It is the lighthouse on the rock, provided with the 
means of restoration and safety to the shipwrecked, 
but preserving uncounted thousands by its friendly 
beams of warning. 

It is apparent, however, that too many circum- 
stances favor the projection and organization of this 
establishment, to entertain for a moment the idea 
that neglect at any time will mark the action of our 
State authorities. The intellectual refinement of the 
age forbids the thought ; the people at large are too 
much interested in its success ; legislation cannot be- 
come so short-sighted, as to look with coldness on the 
design ; and public sentiment must overpower adverse 
feelings, if perchance, such a miraculous interposition 
should unfortunately occur, against an at present 
universal acquiescence. Free from political or party 
thraldom, exempt from the sectional prejudice of relig- 
ious or sectarian orders, scarcely a conjecture can sur- 
prise us from any quarter that this great innovation 
must fail of success. For my own part, if so humble an 
individual as myself may give utterance to the con- 
fidence which pervades his bosom, I think the powers 
invested in your council, actuated by that forcible 
resolve which characterized your first movement in 
this lofty enterprise, will bear you onwards with 
accelerated energy to the consummation of your fondest 
hopes, and hat all parties will become satisfied with 



51 



the mellowed results of your sagacious policy. I was 
peculiarly delighted, when at our last general meeting 
of the Board, I found such unanimity of opinion in 
your able deliberations, such a united conviction of 
the importance of an Asylum of the nature of that 
contemplated, that all felt the importance of the 
plan, that no diversity of sentiment was noticed as to 
the means summoned for its support, that a conspiring 
harmony in debate was auspicious of that destiny so 
ardently desired by all. There is already a gladness 
that reigns in the hearts of many who have heard of the 
organization of this hospital. I have received strong 
assurance from responsible quarters, that what your 
wisdom and your forethought have devised, legislative 
bounty will countenance and preserve. You have rea- 
soned the matter well, and the time of action has now 
arrived. From the scattered reports which reach me, 
multitudes already seem to cry out with solicitude 
for the living waters of your contemplated Bethesda. 

May the great work proceed with all possible 
encouragement — may the present generation profit by 
your heroic efforts — may we indulge the pleasing hope 
that a new truth has been discovered for the benefit 
of society, that the workings of a new principle thus 
grounded, may receive the approbation of future 
judgment, and posterity bear record in Heaven of the 
fruits of your voluntary zeal and enlightened wisdom. 

Dr. Fbancjs was heard with marked attention, and was warmly 
applauded wnen ho closed. 
Musio by the band. 
The Rev. Mknuy AY. Bellows, IX !>., of Now York, was now 

introduced to the audience, by the President, and delivered the 
following Address: 



52 



ADDRESS 



BY EEV. H. W. BELLOWS, D. D. 



The "beginnings of enterprises which involve great 
interests and important principles are always impres- 
sive. The first of that which is probably destined to 
have no last while the world stands, must attract and 
fix the attention of all thoughtful persons. We are 
laying here the corner-stone, not merely of an edifice, 
but of a principle and a custom. An Asylum for 
Inebriates is a new thing under the sun. The argu- 
ments which have brought this into existence, must 
rapidly bring others ; the obstacles which have been 
laboriously overcome here, must henceforth more easily 
yield elsewhere ; the principle conceded, the example 
set, the custom begun in this case, must inevitably, as 
we think, be accepted, until Inebriate Asylums are as 
well understood, and as common institutions, in propor- 
tion to the amount of evil they have to deal with, 
as Asylums for the Insane, and for the Blind and 
Deaf. If so great a future, and such large results, be- 
long to the step we are now taking, it is important to 
note distinctly what are the new principles, what the 
fresh convictions, inaugurated in the event which brings 
us together to-day. It is not to be supposed that the 
movement which has ended in the establishment of 
this institution, however much it may owe to the 
strong convictions, the wise conduct, the patient zeal, 
the indomitable perseverance, of Dr. Turner, whose 
claims on our gratitude and respect are so large, and 



53 



so heartily recognized, is chiefly an impulse of his 
mind and heart. Pie does but represent, as his experi- 
ence in collecting the funds upon which you are pro- 
ceeding to erect this edifice has convincingly taught 
him, a wide-spread and deep-seated conviction of so- 
ciety at large. A far deeper, "broader, and maturer 
sentiment, in respect to the necessity and the benefi- 
cence of such an institution, than its best and most 
hopeful advocates had calculated upon, is now proved 
to exist. And what we are giving voice to to-day, is 
not the sentiment of this enlightened town, which, in 
giving the choicest ground within its magnificent terri- 
tory for the site of the first Inebriate Asylum, and 
thus forever identifying itself with a fruitful and 
exalted project, has richly provided for its future repu- 
tation, as a community of mingled sagacity and bene- 
volence, of noble public spirit, and intelligent self- 
interest; it is not the sentiment of an eminent and 
philanthropic body of Trustees, whose children will 
read their names in the records of this day's work, as 
among their chief titles to memory and respect ; it is 
not the sentiment of a small and devoted class of men, 
profoundly convicted of the necessity of this special 
enterprise, who have borne the brunt of its labor, en- 
countered the odium of its novelty, ventured the risks 
of its failure, and who now peculiarly enjoy the proud 
satisfaction of seeing their faith, hope, and charity, 
substantiated by acts of 'legislative, municipal, and 
illustrious private encouragement, No ; wliat we are 
givingvoice to to-day, is the sentiment of the State of 
New York, collected from the testimony ol her four 
hundred chief lawyers, her four hundred chief minis- 



54 



ters, her eight hundred chief physicians, her fifteen 
hundred leading merchants, and all her great function- 
aries on the Bench, and in the chairs of her most re- 
sponsible offices ! Perhaps no philanthropic or moral 
movement ever undertaken had, at its very start, such 
an endorsement as this. And I may safely say, that a 
principle or a policy, which, in so short a time, without 
partisan or excited appeal, independently of any 
system of public agitation or apparatus of popular 
effect, could command the countenance, support, and 
sympathy of the men whose names are enrolled as the 
stockholders of this Institution — a principle and a 
policy which thus has all the representative men of 
the Empire State for its indorsers and friends — maybe 
considered as an established principle, an established 
policy — has but to make its call in all other States, 
to be answered in the same way — has but to ask the 
support of the civilized world in all other countries, 
to receive it; and may, therefore, be considered as 
already in possession of the confidence, and of the 
heart and hand of Christendom. 

What, then, is the original but ripe principle which 
this Institution embodies ; the new yet popular policy 
it inaugurates ? Let us not, by confounding it with 
other good things of similar aspect, diminish the dis- 
tinctness by magnifying the size of our idea, or by 
seizing claims on the pre-occupied grounds of other 
great and kindred interests and policies, forsake the 
impregnable fortress of its own limited but inde- 
pendent claims to originality. Interest in the intem- 
perate, thank God, it did not remain for us to arouse. 
The evil of drunkenness, the perils attending the use 



55 

of alcoholic stimulants, have awakened the conscience, 
alarmed the fears, animated the moral efforts, engaged 
the devoted and continuous labors of our whole people 
for a quarter of a century. 

Our country, for thirty years past, has been giving, 
in almost every possible form, the liveliest testimonies 
to its sense of the vast extent, the terrible ravages, the 
social and civil calamities, the moral and spiritual 
evils, of Intemperance. By legislative enactments and 
popular associations, through political parties and phi- 
lanthropic appeals, by a machinery of inconceivable 
magnitude, universality, activity, and zeal — by the 
erection of what may be considered almost a new social 
code — by the banding together of the clergy of the 
country as one man in proclamation, denunciation, and 
warning of the evil — by private pledges and by Maine 
Law agitation, the people of this country, in its whole 
moral and religious portion — the people of this State, 
in its weighty and dignified majority — have given 
emphatic, continuous, united testimony, in forms that 
can never again be equaled, because never again re- 
quired let us hope, to the public sense of the Evils of 
Intemperance. 

The temperance associations, of every name and 
order, may be considered as having loft nothing to be 
done, in tlio way of public expression, respecting the 
sway and the malignity <>t' the vice o\' drunkenness. 
This institution assumes the existence of tikis evil, and 
takes for granted (hat all are agreed (whatever their 
dalliance with it may be), in acknowledging it- extent 
and enormity. While deploring their inade< 
recognizes the vast importance, and blesses the pre* 



56 



cious influence of all the means employed in prevent- 
ing, suppressing, and extinguishing it. It does not 
claim to be able to take the place of any of these pre- 
ventive or curative processes ; it has no discourage- 
ment for them, no jealousy, no rivalry with them ; on 
the contrary, nothing but the warmest encouragement, 
the heartiest sympathy, the liveliest and most friendly 
emulation. 

But — and herein is its peculiarity — it declares it to 
be the opinion of the thoughtful, observing, and phi- 
lanthropic men of the State, that a very important 
per-centage of the intemperance of the world, the 
country, and the State, is beyond the reach of any or 
all the means now employed to prevent, remedy, or 
restrain it ; that it owes its existence to constitutional 
causes, is perpetuated by morbid necessities, and pro- 
pagated by physiological laws which are wholly 
beyond the reach of moral suasion, political restraint, 
or private control ; in short, that inebriety, to an ex- 
tent sufficient to create an unspeakable sum of personal 
and domestic misery, of social injury, and public crime, 
is a disease either produced by intemperance, and then 
perpetuating it, or producing intemperance, and then 
continuing it — a disease which requires in the- name of 
public policy, and demands in the name of Christian 
charity, medical treatment, and a hospital — a disease 
so peculiar, obstinate, and distinct, so common, de- 
plorable, and injurious, that it demands a hospital 
exclusively devoted to its observation, control, and 
treatment. Medical treatment — medical treatment in 
a hospital — medical treatment in a hospital exclusively 



57 

devoted to it — are the new features in the policy 
initated so auspiciously to-day. 

To clear up the grounds of this policy, the friends 
of this movement wish to draw, from this time forth, 
a bold and challenging line of division, where none 
has yet been made, between the intemperate and the 
inebriate — between intemperance as a moral, and 
inebriety as a corporal disease ; between intemperance 
— a condition of body and mind resulting from excess 
in the indulgence of natural appetites, the abuse of 
festive habits, recklessness of principle, the love of 
evil company, fondness for pleasure and excitement, 
and impatience of trouble, care, and sorrow — the 
ordinary and prevailing intemperance of society — in- 
temperance, the exceptional, occasional, or frequent 
vice of those still held responsible for their conduct, 
capable of self-control, open to argument, to motives, 
and to reform — between intemperance thus known 
and described, and inebriety — intemperance still, but 
now a disease, original or superinduced, caused by or 
causing drunkenness — a disease native to the constitu- 
tion, or created within it by abuse — a disease, because 
an organic or functional derangement of the system, 
which bears drunkenness as its necessary flower, as 
naturally as the ivy root bears poisonous iea^ 

All the intemperance which arise- from disease, 
(hey propose, lor convenience o\' moral nomenclature, 
to name Inebriety, And inebriety thus pronounc 
disease, they propose uniformly to treat as a disease, 
in an Asyhmi. The merely intemperate, the} pitifully 

and sadly leave in all the vasl and wretched company 
they constitute, to the watch and care of the mora] 



58 



to the ordinary civil and moral police of society, to 
the guardianship of parents, the warnings of religious 
guides, the efforts of the temperance associations, and 
all the various alliances for their rescue from the power 
of temptation, and from the fate predicted and pro- 
cured by their reckless ways, and thoughtless minds, 
and callous hearts. They know the inadequacy of 
these defences and protections ; but they know the 
insufficiency of all efforts wholly to control a vice 
whose roots are so deeply planted in the moral in- 
firmities, the social ignorance, the imperfect moral and 
spiritual condition of our race — a vice which civiliza- 
tion, by developing means and opportunities for its 
indulgence faster than it develops moral apparatus 
for its control, makes the chief source of the crimes of 
society, without allowing us to hope, for a long time 
to come, for anything more than a steady but slow 
decline in its sway. But inebriety, wholly inaccessible 
to the influences which warn, or protect, or save in- 
temperance — inebriety, a disease, not of the will, or 
the heart, or the conscience, but of the stomach, the 
brain, and the intestines — a physical, not a moral 
disease — they propose to take out of the hands of the 
teachers, the moralists, and the law, and put into the 
hands of the doctors — of doctors specially trained to 
treat it, and with special means and opportunities of 
treating it — chief of which is the power to restrain 
and to confine it, for such a term as its due treatment 
may require. 

I am perfectly aware of the natural objections to 
this course, which, at first thought, will arise in most 
minds ; especially of the practical difficulties likely to 



59 

be suggested in respect to the classification I have 
offered. It may — it will be said, that intemperance is, 
in all cases, partly a habit and partly a disease — that, 
however originated, it tends in all cases to become a 
disease — and that physical and bodily diseases caused 
by voluntary excesses, must be cured by voluntary 
self-denials ; that to allege that intemperance is a 
necessity of some bodily organizations — or that it is so 
often the result of automatic causes as to deserve and 
require to be taken out of the category of immoralities 
and placed among those of misfortunes — is to weaken 
the sense of personal responsibility in those liable to 
become its victims, and thus to take away what must 
ever be the grand check to its spread. 

I freely acknowledge the force of these objections ; 
none can have felt them more than the originators of 
this Institution. It is because the evils the Inebriate 
Asylum cures are infinitely greater than the evils it 
may be thought to encourage ; it is in spite of its 
possible disadvantages, that the community have de- 
manded it. We acknowledge the great practical diffi- 
culty of making the fundamental classification just 
insisted on; but the difficult, happily, is not the imjxis- 
siblc, and we are not to be daunted by difficulties, or 
we should have nothing to do witli any noble and 
heroic undertaking. 

All the objections ever broughi against this institu- 
tion may be confessed in all tHeir force, without 
materially weakening the argument for an [nebriate 
Asylum. Thus, it is true, that intemperance is both a 
moral and a corporal disease, in mosl cases. There are 
probably few cases in which it i^ wholh moral, or in 



60 



which it is wholly corporal. What we need to main- 
tain is only this : That, allowing it to be more moral 
than corporal, in the majority of cases, it is more 
corporal than moral in the rest ; and that, when and 
as long as the moral continues the exciting and per- 
petuating cause, it is to be treated morally ; when and 
as long as the corporal continues the exciting and per- 
petuating cause, it is to be treated corporally. As a 
moral disease, it will have also corporal symptoms and 
effects, requiring, and within the reach of, ordinary 
medical treatment and advice. But it must be then 
chiefly attacked at its moral root, with moral influences, 
which do not preclude medical treatment. As a cor- 
poral disease, it will have also moral symptoms and 
effects, requiring moral treatment, within the reach 
and application of its medical supervisors ; but it must 
be chiefly attacked at its corporal root, with corporal 
methods and influences, which do not preclude moral 
treatment. If it be answered that intemperance is as 
much one as the other, in many cases, let it be con- 
fessed that these cases may be indifferently treated 
with either method. If it be added that complexity 
and equivocation involve the cases of thousands of 
other intemperate persons, we shall still have enough 
cases left, of the plain, unmistakable victims of hered- 
itary and constitutional intemperance — enough, which 
years have proved to be utterly beyond any moral 
help, to make an asylum an indispensable and most 
merciful provision, whether of the State, or of private 
benevolence. 

And now as to the moral effect of conceding that 
drunkenness often originates in necessary and self-acting 



61 



causes — a concession from which much social injury is 
predicted — I remark that it can never weaken the 
sense of moral responsibility, anywhere, privately or 
publicly, to acknowledge anything that is true ; and 
that there is not the least reason to fear, that to make 
provision for the rescue of the miserable victims of an 
hereditary or abnormal appetite for drink, will dim- 
inish in the least, in those conscious of the power and 
obligations of self-control, the disposition or the con- 
science to exercise them. 

We might as well expect public schools for the in- 
digent, to weaken the standard of private education 
among the wealthy ; or asylums for the deaf and blind, 
to make the possessors of perfect eyes and ears careless 
of their safety, and indifferent to their preservation ; 
or humanity towards the aged and the suffering, to 
promote idleness and improvidence among the young 
and the healthy; or forcible restraint for the violent, 
to destroy habits of self-control among the peaceable, 
as to imagine that asylums for inebriates will promote 
and increase drunkenness. Hospitals do not tempt 
men to break their limbs, for the sake of having them 
set without cost; nor jails, to surrender their liberty, 
that they may enjoy their shelter at public expense : 
nor doctors, to tamper with health, for the sake o\ 
being skillfully cured ; nor will the confinement, the 
medica] treatment, the labor, the restraints of thi* 
Asylum, add one attraction to the Clip, nor subtract 
one fibre from tin 4 conscience. 

We have, indeed, never a right to ask the blasphe 
mous question, what the effect upon Bociety is to be, 
of humane and Wist measures. Wemaytrnsl that the 



62 



effect of such measures will be good, and only good, 
from the very nature of things. Is there a class of ine- 
briates — that is, of inborn drunkards, or of persons 
with such morbid proclivities to drink, as to be in- 
capable of self-control in their present state ? this is 
our only question ! If there be, they are entitled to 
treatment neither as criminals, nor as sinners, but as 
sick and unfortunate persons ; and society, morality, 
temperance, can derive nothing but advantage from 
treating them with common sense, justice, humanity, 
and skill. 

But our case is much stronger than this. It is not 
necessary to prove that the subjects of this Institution 
are innocent and merely unfortunate persons, to justify, 
on moral grounds, its establishment. Indeed, if I rightly 
apprehend the underlying sentiments which support 
this enterprise, it will be found that an important 
change in the whole feeling of the responsible classes 
of society, in respect to the treatment of the weak and 
erring, the vicious and guilty, is here expressed and 
emphasized — a change of sentiment, liable to miscon- 
struction and abuse, but yet necessary, inevitable, and, 
with its proper discriminations, beneficent and thor- 
oughly Christian — a progress in the only direction that 
promises light and peace. Pity and protection, not 
only for the unfortunate, but also for the guilty, is the 
ever-growing policy, the ever-justified experience of 
modern philanthropy. And this occasion provides an 
opportunity, and imperatively calls for a brief but 
brave discussion of the radical principle of this policy, 
whose justification and discrimination involve the 
most important and serious interests of social science. 



63 



There is, then, I repeat, a broad and general policy 
set forth and blazoned by the establishment of the 
Inebriate Asylum ; and that joolicy is pity and protec- 
tion not only for the unfortunate, but for the guilty. 
Every observing man must notice the great change 
going on in the public mind, quietly and slowly, but 
steadily and with no doubtful result, in regard to the 
treatment of vice and crime. The old rule of an eye 
for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, the only rule upon 
which criminal law in the ruder states of society could 
be administered, and which has been the basis of penal 
jurisdiction for ages, has in the light of the Gospel and 
of a more developed social experience, gradually fallen 
into extensive suspicion as a principle, and undergone 
very serious modifications as a practice. The influence 
of external circumstances in the formation of char- 
acter and habits ; the effect of blood, birth, organiza- 
tion, tempera jaent, early example, local influence, 
public opinion, national customs, in determining indi- 
vidual fortunes and conduct; the great natural in- 
equalities among men in respect of intellectual and 
moral powers and sensibilities, the force of their pas- 
sions, their faculties of self-control and self-protection 
— these have gradually forced themselves as facts upon 
the notice of all students of Social Laws, in a way 
to modify greatly the simple conclusion that man being 
an accountable and responsible being, is to be held 
strictly accountable by his broth*r y m well as by his 
Maker, for all his actions ; and that to stand In any 
way between him and the consequences of his follies, 

vice's, and crimes, is to weaken tlic natural principle of 
retribution, and to diminish the chances el' his awaken- 



64 



ing and recovery under the influence of his sufferings. 
It may seern strange that we should have been so long 
coming to a conclusion, which is almost self-evident, 
and that we should hesitate and tremble at acknow- 
ledging it, even when we feel its truth. But it is an 
honorable testimony to man's consciousness of moral 
weakness, and to the strength of his moral aspiration, 
that in the absence of a discriminating moral philosophy 
he takes part against himself, when he apprehends that 
his will may succumb before his circumstances, and 
charges himself with a responsibility that is infinite, 
that he may escape a fatalism that would place him 
among the brutes. Yet it is not necessary in the pres- 
ent state of moral development and mental philosophy, 
to rush into one extreme, to avoid another ; to deny 
the force of circumstances, that we may magnify the 
force of will; to refuse pity, lest we should weaken" 
self-respect ; and belie mercy, for fear of discrediting 
justice. Indeed, this stern legality is Jewish and 
Heathen, not Christian. All the warrant we need for 
the changed sentiment and policy of modern Christen- 
dom towards its vicious and criminal classes, ought to 
be found in the Gospel itself — the inauguration of the 
truth that mercy is better than justice, or, as I believe, 
we shall one day see our way to phrase it, that mercy 
is an exacter justice. Our blessed religion teaches us 
that God knew how to make it safe to take men from 
under the law and put them under a dispensation of 
grace and pardon, and that what he commenced in his 
Son he intended we should complete in our whole 
Christian civilization. To treat men as sinners, and 
still as unfortunate and pitiable in proportion to their 



65 



sins ; to acknowledge their guilt, and yet make that 
very guilt a new reason for saving them from them- 
selves and their otherwise inevitable fate — this is the 
example we have in our holy faith, and it is the light 
of all the progress and all the success society has ever 
had in the recovery of the erring and the lost. Let us 
leave it to the Jews to uphold the lex talionis ; to the 
heathen to maintain the pitiless creed of a punitive 
system, which does not even seek the recovery of the 
offender, but only the satisfaction of justice. Christians 
recognize the good of the sinner, his restoration and 
recovery, as the final end of all retributive conse- 
quences, whether in the divine or in human govern- 
ments, and they will never believe that what is for the 
real good of the sinner, can be for the disadvantage of 
society or the peril of Justice. Those consequences of 
folly and vice and crime which harden, degrade, stu- 
pefy, and unhumanize their subjects, however spon- 
taneous and natural their operation may be, and 
however punitive and retributory their essence, ought 
never to be regarded as consequences fit to be left to 
their own working. For they obliterate the mora] 
and intellectual nature of man, and rapidly take their 
victims out of the sphere of the moral universe ; they 
disqualify their subjects for even recognising their own 
punishment, by annihilating all sensibility to shame 
and all taste for virtue. Nor is there anything in the 
example of vice or crime, abandoned to itself, or vin- 
dictively treated, which educates the moral sense of 
the community, or deters from a similar career; tor 
the sigh! of ferocious, coarse, ami degraded humanity, 
however produced, is uniformly found to create a 



66 



vindictive disgust, to lower the self-respect of those 
who contemplate it, and to tend to reduce to its own 
brutish level all who come in contact with it. The 
keepers of our prisons, in former times — I hope not in 
these latter ones — might serve to illustrate the truth 
of this assertion. 

One of the chief supports of the vindictive and 
laissez-faire policy, in regard to the treatment of the 
vicious, rests upon what I wish might be called only a 
popular, but is, I fear, also a scholastic and theoreti- 
cal mistake — partaken of by the very leaders of society, 
and, perhaps, by none more than by the more liberal 
sects, and the more intelligent minds — a mistake con- 
cerning the order in the development of human facul- 
ties, and particularly of the moral faculty. The mis- 
take is two-fold : 1st, the conscience is assumed to be 
strongest at its very birth — an error due to the ob- 
served sensibility of that faculty at its origin — like an 
infant's eye, whose very tenderness to light comes not 
of its strength, but its weakness ; and 2d, the moral 
faculty, of all the faculties, is supposed to be least in 
need of experience, training, and growth. It will 
readily be seen how such an error would affect our 
notions of discipline and education ; how it would set 
us upon a system of guarding, instead of cultivating 
the conscience ; how it would influence the severity of 
our judgments, and favor a retributive, rather than a 
protecting, a punitive, rather than an educational sys- 
tem, in the treatment of youthful folly and vice. 

Now, the truth is, man's conscience follows the rule 
of all his other faculties ; is weakest in infancy ; other 
things being equal, grows with his growth, and strength- 



67 

ens with his strength. Moreover, it is just as depend- 
ent as his affections and his mind, upon education and 
training. What are the instinctive affections, in relia- 
bleness, compared with the cultivated affection- \ 
What the natural conscience, to the disciplined one ? 
There is no faculty in man that needs training more 
than his moral faculty ; none surer to go out, if left to 
itself; none, indeed, which rewards care and attention 
like it, or which is capable of being reared into so 
powerful and victorious an attribute. Men are, there- 
fore, to be regarded as moral beings in the providen- 
tial process of manufacture, rather than as moral 
beings in a finished state, and on trial. It is not to 
try, but to develope, and train, and strengthen this 
wonderful and precious talent of the soul, along with 
our other powers, that God has put us in this world. 
If, then, we imagine that the moral faculty, with its 
sense of right and wrong, its feeling of the authority 
of right, and the rebellion of wrong, its fore-felt re- 
wards of virtue, its foreboded penalties of vice, is so 
powerfully and perfectly lodged in human beings at 
their birth, that they may be, and ought to be, left to 
experience its fruits without interposition, and that a 1 ! 
the personal, and social, and eternal consequences that 
How from its abuse, are legitimate, just, politic for so- 
ciety, favorable to God's truth, and pleasing to his 
heart, we injagine what is the very opposite o\' the 
tnitli, and what must neutralize or pervert all our 
eflbrts at a Christian civilization. The moral qualiti 
the sense and the pfcaictice of justice^ the Peeling and 
the obligation of right, the beauty and attractions ol 
virtue, are to he regarded as the fruits* rather than the 



68 



seeds of civilization; as the effects, rather than the 
causes of social existence ; as the ends, rather than the 
beginnings of humanity. It is because of the precious 
and glorious capacity of becoming moral, civilized, and 
truly human creatures, rather than on account of any 
actual worth, or goodness, or power of conscience in 
human nature at its start, that we reverence and value 
human beings, in their original, or undeveloped state. 
Man is an educable, a civilizable, a moralizable, a Chris- 
tianizable being, and we are compelled by prudence, 
and experience, and wisdom, to depend far more on 
what, through our social system, and civilizing and 
Christian influences, we are able to make him, than on 
what he tends to become when left to himself. 

In the light of this undeniable, practical truth, it 
must appear clear that social improvement is an ex- 
perimental interest ; and that the science of dealing 
with men for their own best good and happiness, is a 
science of experience, which must not be sacrificed to 
abstract or ideal principles — call them by what sacred 
name we will. It will not do for us to get up a meta- 
physical theory of morals, the centre of which is the 
idea of merit, or desert, and sacrifice upon it the prac- 
tical prospects of our fellow-creatures. Show me how 
men can be made happier and better, in the highest 
meaning of those words ; and if it is upon principles 
hitherto deemed false, I will pronounce them true. If 
mercy has more power to save, by softening and subdu- 
ing, than justice has, by warning and punishing, then 
mercy is a better and more useful principle than jus- 
tice. If interposition between vice, and the conse- 
quences of vice ; crime, and the consequences of crime ; 



69 



folly, and the consequences of folly, prove, when ju- 
diciously made, a more successful means of rescuing 
men from moral ruin and social wreck, than the old 
plan of allowing these painful and debasing conse- 
quences to have their natural way — then, practical 
wisdom will not permit theoretical scruples to set aside 
such substantial benefits. And that such is the case, 
is the testimony of all carefully considered experience. 
The whole tendency of modern inquiry and effort, in 
the treatment of folly, vice, and crime, is to substitute 
kindness for severity, help for restraint, education for 
police, light for alarm, protection for punishment. 
The growing mildness of the prison code, like that of 
medical practice itself, shows us how little good we are 
to expect from vindictive or exemplary punishments, 
how little from severe and heroic practice. 

The mistake which the advocates of the gentle pro- 
tective policy — illustrated in the principle of this in- 
stitution — make in the controversy with the timid and 
anxious supporters of the old system of strict retribu- 
tion, exemplary punishment, and wholesome fear, is this. 
Through want of power to explain what they really 
feel, they allow themselves to seem less interested 
than their opponents in the support, and authority, 
and sacredness of the moral law, with all its infinitely 
important distinctions and consequences. Through 
inability to make themselves understood otherwise, 
they allow themselves to seem the friends of a material 
and fatalistic philosophy, which attributes more power 
to circumstances and organization, than to mind and 
soul. Hut both these not unnatural inferences are 
really baseless. It is for the Bake of, and lveause o\\ 



70 

the preciousness of man's moral nature, that, when we 
see it too weak for his physical nature, on account of 
the more rapid growth of the physical than of the 
moral in the infancy of being, we refuse to treat him 
as a wholly responsible being and so leave him to ruin ; 
that we hurry to treat him as sick and morally dead, 
that afterwards we may, at our leisure, really make 
him a responsible being, and so save him to the moral 
universe. And is it a fatalistic and material philosophy 
which drives the friends of man's soul — themselves, 
through God's grace, in possession of enlightened 
minds, disciplined wills, and vigorous consciences, 
thanks, it may be, to their own wise parents and 
Christian teachers — to come to the rescue of their less 
fortunate brothers, liable to be the victims of their 
own unpropitious organizations and conditions, and to 
interpose between them and otherwise inevitable ruin ? 
Instead of materialism and fatalism, here is free-will 
and spiritual power in the wise, triumphing over cir- 
cumstances and the drift of events in the foolish. 
True, this doctrine does not claim that the will is per- 
fectly free in each and every man — that the soul is, at 
the start, and in every case, superior to the body. 
But it does assert that, characteristically, by intention 
and by destiny, the will is free, and the soul eminent 
over the body, as over all things seen and tangible. 
It denies, it must be confessed, that modern doctrine 
of absolute and equal powers and capacities in all men 
— that irrational theory of individuality, which disin- 
tegrates the race into its component parts, and makes 
each atom of humanity complete in itself, the centre 
of the universe, capable at once of all things which. 



71 



any other is capable of, independent of all others in 
its education and its fate. Such a doctrine is as false 
to fact as it is arrogant, indocile, and unsocializing in 
sentiment. There is no truth to history, to feeling, to 
Christianity, or to staring modern experience, in it. 
The real truth teaches us, with the New Testament, 
that we are members one of another ; that the human 
race is one body, in which each individual has his part 
and place ; that this body has eyes and ears, but also 
hands and feet ; that parts of it represent the intel- 
lectual, parts the moral, parts the conscious, and parts 
the unconscious elements in its whole ; that its judg- 
ment or wisdom is not equally subdivided and scattered 
among the several parts, but dwells at different times 
in different portions that represent the wisdom and 
judgment of the whole — now in races, now in nations, 
now in classes, sometimes in illustrious individuals — but 
that it dwells in these for the use, guidance, protection, 
and benefit of the whole ; and that it is accordingly 
the duty of the enlightened, civilized, self-disciplined 
and self-controlled portions of the race — the moral and 
spiritual, the wise ana prudent portions — to guide, 
protect, bless, and save the residue. When, therefore, 
in their efforts to do so, the free-will of the indolent 
and careless seems not to be respected, it is only be- 
cause the free-will of the God-erected representatives 
of*hu inanity, which is more entitled to respect, claims 
its rights, and asserts itself for the good of those ir 
schools .-nul controls. When men, toe ignorant or 

feeble, ioo unfortunate ami ill-organized to keep their 

SOUis ercci above their bodies, are seized 1>\ the Strong 
in intellect^ in heart, and in will (the morally prosper- 



72 



ous and good), and lifted in spite of themselves on to 
the plane of obedience, and decency, and comfort — 
though they seem to be treated as machines, and not 
to have their fate in their own hands, it is only because 
in these saviors of their own race God is vindicating 
the power of mind over matter, of will over circum- 
stances, of spirit over body, in a way that redounds to 
the glory of our common nature, while it is destined 
to end in lifting all men unto the possession of that 
free-will and self-protection which is their true hu- 
manity. 

The policy of this Asylum is, then, a Christian, a 
wise, a holy policy. It will be universally adopted. 
It is not only the inebriate who is destined to be re- 
strained of his liberty and treated with medical and 
psychological skill, but the criminal, and the vicious 
of every grade, the moment their liberty becomes 
dangerous to society. And the terms of their confine- 
ment are ultimately — I speak with absolute conviction 
—to be limited only by the date of their cure ; life- 
long for the incorrigible and incurable in all cases, 
brief as possible for all who yield readily to a humane 
treatment. Society gains nothing by holding for an 
hour any man a prisoner who is fit to be at large. 
Liberty and human rights gain nothing by allowing 
any man to be at large for a moment, who is destroy- 
ing himself and his family and neighbors. All tl&it 
we need is, what we are fast gaining, a possession of 
the tests and guages of this fitness or unfitness ; and 
then, precisely what we do with the idiot, the insane, 
and the thief, we shall do with the inebriate, the 
murderer, and the weak and wicked of all classes. 



73 

To the courageous and humane hearts and minds, 
that leave the easy and beaten paths of indolent cus- 
tom, to explore new ways of usefulness, to open new 
tracks of safety, to pioneer Humanity's questful pro- 
gress, we owe peculiar honor ; and if they clothe 
themselves in the modest garb of unassuming worth, 
we owe it all the more. I rejoice, then, to be able to 
lift to the pedestal of this majestic occasion, and there 
to place before the eyes of the friends of the unfortu- 
nate, of the inebriate, and his wretched victims only 
less miserable than himself, the name of the first man 
who proposed, and advocated, and successfully carried 
into effect, the project of an Inebriate Asylum — Dr. 
J. Edward Tuenee. May God reward his faith and 
his works ! 

One great event in physical science has illustrated 
the year in which we live, forever memorable in the 
minds of men, as the year in which time, and space, 
and sea, yielded to man's longing for union with his 
race. Another, not now so evident or so universally 
appreciated, has already occurred in the starting of a 
policy, the beginning of a class of benevolent institu- 
tions, destined to run round the world, and to unite 
all men in gratitude. As I looked last night at the 
flaming comet in our sky, and saw it inclined and 
plumed like a pen, fit and ready for the Almighty's 
own Land, I could not but feel, that it' he should seize 
it and inscribe with its diamond-point upon the sky 
the chief event of this Annus MirakiUs, it would be 

the foundation of a. policy and a usage BUch a- thai we 
now celebrate — of an Institution, the first o\ it> kind 



74 



in the world, which proclaims that Mercy is better 
than Justice ; nay, that Mercy is an exacter Justice. 



Dr. Bellows was listened to with the utmost attention, and at 
the close warmly applauded. 

Mr. Bitilee, the President, then said : 

It is proper^! should mention to the audience that 
in addition to the able speakers who have instructed 
and delighted us by their elaborate, luminous, and 
philosophical discourses on this occasion, we hoped to 
have the presence, and the powerful aid of the Rev. 
Dr. Bethune, of Brooklyn, and the Hon. George W. 
Clinton, of Buffalo. Each of these gentlemen takes a 
deep interest in this Association, and had it not been for 
unavoidable detention, we would have been favored 
with their presence. There is a resident of this village 
who has taken a great interest in this enterprise ; who 
has held a high place in the government of this State, 
and a still higher place in the government of this 
Union, who, I am sure, will be listened to with great 
pleasure, not only by his own fellow-citizens of the 
town of Binghamton, but also by the men who have 
come from distant places — some from the very ends of 
the State. Therefore, I introduce to you my friend, 
the Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson. [Loud applause.] 

Mr. Dickinson, on coming forward, was greeted with a storm 
of applause. 



15 



BEMAKKS by Hon. DANIEL S. DICKIXSOX 

Mr. President, Fellow-Citizens : Upon an intro- 
duction so kind and generous, it gives nie great pleasure 
to speak, that I may welcome with my whole heart 
this vast' audience, and the numerous distinguished gen- 
tlemen who, having contributed of their influence and 
substance for the inauguaration of this institution, 
sacred to the cause of philanthropy, have come hither, 
to participate in laying, with becoming ceremonies, its 
moral and material foundation. Time will not permit 
me to speak of the benefits and blessings which are 
destined to flow from the Inebriate Asylum for the 
frail, erring children of humanity — nor to tell of the 
pure, gushing life-streams this great fountain of good 
is to send forth, to refresh and fertilize the bleak and 
barren waste of intemperance — nor to point to the 
inebriated maniac, who shall, by its Heaven-born in- 
fluences, be clothed again in his right mind — nor of 
the prodigal son, who, covered with vice and rags, 
shall arise and go to his father. 

If the great army of intemperance — those who are 
dying under the influence of this remorseless destroy- 
er — those who are becoming lawless outcasts — those 
who commit, or associate with crime, by reason of in- 
toxicating draughts- — should march together in solid 
column, the earth itself would heave, and throb, and 
tremble under their tread, as though moved by the 
convulsions of a volcano ! To arrest the progressof this 



Y6 

terrible element, Philanthropy, in her ceaseless effort foi 
fallen man, erects this institution. How many fathers 
are looking on with a parent's painfully-anxious solici- 
tude ? How many wives and mothers will reverently 
kneel and pray to the Father in Heaven that this 
effort may be blest? Oh! how many children will 
raise their little hands in prayer for its success, that 
the monster — intemperance — shall never come hither 
to torment them before their time, and curse with 
blood and tears the lustre of their birth-star ? 

But I pause, for I am forgetting that among all the 
distinguished here, there is one pre-eminent upon this 
platform— one who came here upon another errand, 
but has kindly consented to honor us by his pre- 
sence — one who is known wherever the philanthropic 
heart has throbbed, wherever learning, eloquence, or 
statesmanship are known, or civilization has traveled ; 
and I shall best serve you by closing ray remarks, 
and by introducing to you Edward Everett. 



The Hon. Edwakd Everett now rose, and was greeted with, 
unrestrained manifestations of esteem. 



17 



EEMAKKS by Hon. EDWAKD EVEKETT. 

Mr. President, Fellow-Citizens: If my worthy 
friend and hospitable host, who has just taken his 
seat, were capable of doing anything unkind or unfair, 
I should think he had been guilty of it on the present 
occasion, in requiring rne to place my poor, unpremedi- 
tated remarks in direct contrast with the mature 
thoughts, and finished discussions, and eloquent senti- 
ments, which have held your attention, instructed your 
minds, and warmed your hearts, on this interesting 
occasion. In fact, Mr. President, I almost think that, 
under the circumstances of the case, I am hardly 
amenable to your jurisdiction [smiles], that I ought 
to be looked upon, not as a volunteer, but as one im- 
pressed into the service. It reminds me, Sir, of the 
pretensions of a foreign power (if you will not think 
me going out of the way for a comparison), in years 
long past, when the whole civilized world, except our 
own country, was involved in war, claiming the rights 
of belligerents, and we the only neutral. That foreign 
power, Sir, didn't claim the right to enter our neutral 
vessels for the sake of impressing our seamen into 
their service, but if, in the exercise of the belligerents 1 
right of searching neutrals for contraband goods, they 
encountered the king's subjects, or those they choc 
consider such, they claimed the right to impress them. 
Now, Sir, I have conn 4 here, as you know, on a very 

different errand; you have caught me on the platform, 



78 

and you have impressed rne. [Laughter.] It was, I 
own, with some little misgiving that I found myself — 
retired as I am entirely from public life — stepping 
upon the Binghamton platform. [Laughter, and loud 
applause.] But, inasmuch, Sir, as I saw my friend, 
who has so kindly presented me to this audience, ex- 
amining the platform rather carefully, looking at it 
from above and beneath, to see if it were safe, 1 
thought if he might venture, I might ; and that a 
platform which could hold him and you, Sir, and Doc- 
tor Francis, and Doctor Bellows, Mr. Street, and all 
whom I see around me, of all sects and all parties, 
though not very compact in its appearance, was strong 
enough to hold me. [Renewed laughter and applause.] 
Sir, to speak nfore seriously, I should be ashamed 
of myself if it required any premeditation, any fore- 
thought, to pour out the simple and honest effusions 
of the heart on an occasion so interesting as this. A 
good occasion, Sir ; a good day, notwithstanding its 
commencement. I have heard from one friend and 
another this morning — kind enough to pay his respects 
to me, knowing on what errand I had come — that he 
was sorry that we hadn't a good day. It was, it is 
true, raining in the morning. But it is a good day, 
notwithstanding the rain. The weather is good ; all 
weather is good ; sunshine is good ; rain is good. Not 
good weather, Sir ? Ask the farmer, into whose grains 
and roots there yet remains some of its moisture, to be 
driven by to-morrow's sun. Ask the boatman, who is 
waiting for his raft to go over the rapids. Ask the 
dairy-man and grazier, if the rain, even at this season, 
is not good. Ask the lover of nature, if it is not good 



79 

weather when it rains. Sir, one may see in Europe 
artificial water-works, cascades constructed by the skill 
'of man at enormous expense — at Chatsworth, at Hesse- 
Cassel, and the remains of the magnificent water-works 
at Marley, where Louis XIV. lavished uncounted mil- 
lions of gold, and thus, according to some writers, 
commenced those dilapidations of the treasury which 
brought on the French Revolution. The traveler 
thinks it a great thing to see these artificial water- 
works, where a little water is pumped up by creaking 
machinery, or a panting steam-engine, to be scattered 
in frothy spray ; and do we talk of its not being a 
good day, when God's great engine is exhibiting to us 
His imperial water-works, sending up the mists and 
vapors to the clouds, to be rained down again in com- 
fort and beauty and plenty upon grateful and thirsty 
man ? Sir, as a mere gratification of the taste, I know 
nothing in nature more sublime, more beautiful, than 
these genial rains, descending in abundance and salu- 
brity from the skies. [Applause.] 

It is a good day, Sir, be the weather what it may, 
for it is consecrated to a good work. You are taking 
the first step in a great enterprise of mercy ami 
humanity. Sir, the duty which society owes to the 
interesting class for whose relief this institution is 
founded; is one of the most important and the most 
delicate which it has to perform. It' there were any 
doubts before, they would haw lnvn removed by the 
eloquent discourses we have just heard. What Bociety 
ought io do, what it can attempt hopefully, is a ques- 
tion not vet perhaps satisfactorily solved, as tar as 
concerns the great authoritative expression oi' the will 



80 



and the power of the community in the form of law. 
How far, and in what way, the law of the land can be 
applied to remedy and mitigate the tremendous evils' 
of intemperance, is a question not yet perhaps satis- 
factorily solved. 

But we have come here, Sir, brought together by no 
law that creates any divisions of opinion — the law of 
love — where we are all magistrates and all subjects. 
In obedience to the dictates of that law, Sir, we have 
come together. You have come together, friends 
and fellow-citizens, to take the first step in found- 
ing an institution which is to furnish a home for 
the homeless, a refuge from the world, that visits 
its own faults with such severity upon the frail and 
suffering of our race — a kindly refuge, where they 
will be received in the hour of their extremity, and 
welcomed with all the comforts which their condition 
admits and demands ; and especially, Sir, where they 
will be removed from temptation. 

Removed from temptation ! Sir, during those in- 
teresting ceremonies which we have witnessed at the 
laying of the corner-stone, when the most sublime of 
petitions from the wisest and best of Masters was 
repeated by those hundreds and thousands that stood 
with uncovered heads to witness their performance, 
I was struck, with a force which I own I have never 
felt before, with the sequence of the ideas. "Lead us 
not into temptation" — that comes before deliverance 
from evil. "Lead us not into temptation." [Ap- 
plause.] Sir, a great moral poet has said : 

" Vice is a monster of such hideous mien, 
That to be hated, needs but to be seen." 



81 



That is the evil from which we pray to be delivered 
It is the hideous monster, 

" That to be hated, needs but to be seen." 

But it is not so with temptation. Temptation is 
not a hideous monster. It too often comes in a 
lovely form, clothed with grace and beauty, decked 
with garlands, speaking with a silver voice, and calling 
to us when we are off our guard. That is what we 
first need to pray to be protected from. Evil, tha^t 
hideous monster: few persons who have enjoyed the 
ordinary advantages of an education in this part of 
the world, few persons that have anything that can be 
called a virtuous home, are in great danger of being 
led astray by this hideous monster, when it stands 
before them in all its native deformity. But who is 
safe from the Circean voice of Temptation ? 

Mr. President, the reverend and eloquent gentleman 
who preceded me, has said with great justice, thai 
were not only laying the foundation of an asylum for 
this State, but if it succeeds, you have laid this day a 
corner-stone for a similar asylum in every State of this 
Union, in every kingdom o\' Europe. [Applause.] 
Hasn't it been so with all great improvements that 
may be classed with this \ Wasn't it so with prison 
discipline \ There is not in all the civilized world, 

except, Naples (if you include Naples in the civil] 

world), a, place where the old abuses in prison discip- 
line exist. The humane treatment is everywhere imi- 
tated and adopted, So it is, Sir, with asylums for the 
insane. Tin 1 old system of coercion and cruelty is 

6 



82 

done away with, not in New York, in Philadelphia, 
and in Boston alone, but throughout the civilized world. 
So it will be, Sir, with the Asylum for the Inebriate. 
Let these first steps result successfully ; let these walls 
go up ; let the poor victims of inebriety be gathered 
there ; let the kind treatment, medical counsel, and 
employment for the mind and for the time produce 
the effects, which I haven't the slightest doubt they 
will produce ; and, as I have said before, as fast as 
they can be erected, you will have a similar institu- 
tion in every civilized country in the world. Yes, 
Sir ; bring these unhappy inebriates there, protect 
them from temptation, occupy their time, amuse their 
thoughts, surround them with rational pleasures; 
above all, Sir, let the delightful influences of the 
beautiful nature that here surrounds us have their due 
effect upon them ; let them learn to worship the Com- 
mon Father in this glorious temple, of which these 
surrounding hills are the pillars, and this glorious con- 
cave the vaulted arch — and believe me, many years 
will not pass away before it will appear that what you 
have just done for your own community, you have 
done for the civilized world. [Loud applause.] 



83 



CLOSING REMARKS. 

BY HON. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER. 

I will not detain the audience a moment, by attempt- 
ing to give utterance to the obligations we are under 
to the most accomplished of American orators, for the 
speech just delivered, and though impressed into the 
service, he has shown himself a true man, and most 
nobly has he fought under the colors of humanity. I 
have to mention that many letters have been received 
from distinguished public men, the Governor of this 
State, the Mayor of the City of New York, and many 
others in high places. Also from distinguished 
physicians in our own State, and in other States ; and 
I should particularly mention, letters from the Super- 
intendents of most of the Asylums for the treatment 
of the Insane in the United States ; that in all these 
letters, in various forms, their Avriters give utterance 
to strong expressions in respect to this new home of 
mercy ; that most of them — that all of them, hail it 
as destined to open a new epoch in the history of 
benevolence; and those who are best qualified to 
judge, that is to say, superintendents of asylums for 
the insane, express universal and intense interest in 
our ef Torts. 

Some say that they have thought for years thai such 
an Asylum should be erected ; and one expresses the 
opinion, as his enlightened judgment, that the one 



84 



whose foundation is laid here to-day, will be imitated 
in every other State of the American Union. Those 
letters can not now be read, but will be published in 
the pamphlet. 

And now, after music by the band, the audience 
will be called to listen to the strains of a true poet, a 
native son of New York, who has consented to gratify 
us on the occasion by a poem. I shall have the honor 
at the proper moment, of introducing Mr. Steeet, who 
will deliver that poem. Then the exercises of this 
interesting occasion will be brought to a close by the 
benediction being pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Pkuntce, 
one of the founders of this association — one of the first 
trustees — though not now a member of the Board. 

Alfred B. Steeet, Esq., of Albany, on being introduced to 
the audience, by the President, delivered the following Poem, 
which he composed for the occasion. It was listened to with 
great attention, and its authoi* warmly applauded at the end. 



85 



POEM. 

BY ALFRED B. STREET, ESQ. 

When Sin made wreck of this enchanting earth, 
And all things evil ushered into birth, 
Divinest Pity, hastening from on high, 
Marking man's ruin with forgiving sigh, 
Bade seraph Charity, unwavering, stay 
To soothe his sorrow and to smooth his way. 

And ever since has this sweet Spirit shed 
Celestial music from her heavenly tread ; 
And her bright brow, illumed with lambent light, 
Changed into smiling day the darkest, stormiest night. 

Of all the evils shadowing here below, 

Thy hand, Intemperance, works the direst woe ! 

Could all the gathered tears attest thy might, 

Oh, what a sea would welter on the sight ! 

Could all the moans be heard from thy career, 

What a wild sound would peal upon the oar ! 

Could all thy victims march in dread array, 

Across the world would stretch their blackening way ! 

Poe of the face, what horrors mark thy shrine ! 

What fatal lures, what fearful victories thine! 

Thine, the poor drunkard, reveling in his shame; 
Thine, the young bride that bears his blighted name : 






86 



Thine, the lost child that sees the fingered scorn, 
And feels night's shadow mantling o'er its morn ; 
Thine, the vast dead that passed without a sign ; 
The darkened hosts of starry natures thine ; 
Thine, the red arm that wields the murderer's knife, 
And thine the idiot's driveling death in life ! • 

From thee, the maniac's piercing shrieks ascend, 
The nerves frame spectres to the horrid end ; 
From thee, fresh youth bows down his head to die, 
And age, even ere its time, yields up its trembling sigh. 
War ! thy wild chariot rolls o'er piles of slain, 
Thou drenchest empires with thy crimson rain ! 
Thy victims, Pestilence ! uncounted fall, 
Till Heaven seems mantled with unpitying pall ! 
Famine ! thy gaunt, imploring arms are spread, 
Thy pale lips murmuring, u Give me, give me bread !" 
But veil your brows before the hideous glooms, 
Of that dread monarch over myriad tombs ! 
Great God ! Blest Guardian o'er this world of ours, 
Against Thy throne, this fiend, the mightiest, towers ! 
For Thy weak race, he lies in sleepless wait ; 
Body and soul, he sweeps them to their fate ; 
When will Thy red avenging bolt be hurled 
To dash the demon from a woe-worn world ? 

Tempting the snares, his shining treachery spreads ! 
Countless the pitfalls, in the path he treads ! 
Song that should soar in purest heaven, alas ! 
Wreathes its rich garlands round the glittering glass. 
In it the morning melts its pearly dew, 
To it the sunshine lends its ruby hue ; 



87 



Kich through, its depths imperial purples beam, 
Breaths of all flowers yield fragrance to its stream ; 
Unclouded suns o'er smiling vineyards glow, 
And all to veil this monster working woe. 
In snaky glide it starts upon its way, 
Closer and closer, creeping on its prey ; 
And when its charm the spell-bound victim holds, 
Then come its crushing anaconda folds. 

Its lure first adds a brightness to the jest, 

To wit a sparkle, and to mirth a zest — 

A loftier wing to Fancy, as she soars, 

And even on Dullness, transient lustre pours ; 

Oh, dire reverse ! when bound in burning chains, 

Finds the prone will, that naught of strength remains ! 

When in the gulf, red yawning at its feet, 

It knows the end it shudders wild to meet ; 

Nearer and nearer, drifting all awreck, 

Drawn by a force it cannot, cannot check ! 

But hail ! all hail ! When heaven seems wrapped in 

gloom, 
And Earth is scowling with the drunkard's doom, 
Hither, blest Charity's swift footsteps Mend, 
To stand between the victim and his end ; 
Hand-linked with knowledge, piercingly she sees 
Habit merged helpless into fierce disease ; 
Disease, that grasps the frame, the mind, the heart, 
But which she baffles with creative art. 
Too long the world hath let the victim go, 

Staggering, unchecked, to hi- dark depth o\' woe. 
Murmuring, " In vain the drunkard's course to stay, 
The drunkard's doom must close the drunkard's wai !' 



" Back "bend that way !" loud Charity proclaims, 
While high in air her torch of knowledge flames. 
" Back bend that way ! the drunkard must not fall 
Unchecked ; his doom is not beyond recall. 
Mine to unclasp the fetters, link by link, 
And lead the captive gently from the brink ; 
Rebuild his shattered nature, and restore 
Free — with his head erect — the man a man once more. 

Blest be that work ! here let the fane arise 

In which shall dawn this heavenly enterprise ! 

Here — where the landscape spreads its charms abroad, 

A peerless picture from the hand of Grod, 

Hill, meadow, vale, to cultivation won, 

And, in the midst, bright, leaf-bowered Binghamton ; 

Where Susquehanna, radiant with his smiles, 

Crowned with his emerald diadem of isles, 

King of the realm ! caressing and caressed, 

Clasps his sweet bride, Chenango, to his breast ; 

A scene, whose soft and soothing sense shall find 

Way to the struggling, renovating mind ; 

Let the fane rise, and may its power command 

A kindred host to shed their blessings o'er the land ! 



The Rev. N. A. Prince then pronounced the Benediction, and 
the audience dispersed. 



A LETTER 



V 



OP THB 



CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE NEW YORK STATE INEBRIATE 

ASYLUM, TO HON. EDWIN D. MORGAN, GOVERNOR 

ELECT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 






91 



LETTER. 

Hon. Edwin D. Moegan, 

Governor Elect of the State of New York. 

Deae Sir : Knowing the deep interest you take in 
all the great benevolent institutions of the clay, and 
the importance you attach to the preservation of the 
health and morals of the people of our State, we are 
convinced that we shall have your entire influence, and 
hearty co-operation as a private citizen, and as the 
Governor of the State of New York, in advancing the 
interest, and in securing the desired appropriation 
from the State, to assist in founding the New York 
State Inebriate Asylum. 

The Trustees, appointed by the Legislature of the 
State to locate and found this Institution, held their 
meeting in the City of New York, on the nineteenth 
day of May last, and unanimously accepted the large 
domain of 252 acres and 11 Y rods of land, donated by 
the liberal citizens of Binghamton. 

The arduous and responsible duties devolving upon 
the Commissioners for locating the Asylum, have Owe 
trust), Invn well and judiciously performed, and in 
every particular independent of all sectional prejudice, 
or individual preference. We have endeavored to 
keep constantly before our minds the great interests 



92 

of the Institution, and have decided the location upon 
the following important elements, viz. : Healthfulness, 
an abundant supply of pure water, accessibility from 
all parts of the State, and economy of support. The 
Bite which we have selected for the location of the 
Asylum is regarded by physicians, who are well ac- 
quainted with its surroundings, as one of the most 
healthy in the country. We find in the statistics of 
mortality, collected from the United States Census of 
1850, that the County of Broome shows a smaller 
number of deaths, according to its population, than 
any other county in the State. The geological forma- 
tion of the earth upon which the town of Bingham- 
ton is located, is peculiarly adapted for health. Its 
uneven surface and gravelly soil give a quick drainage 
to surface-water, and prevents stagnant pools and vege- 
table decay from accumulating their noxious vapors. 
Its altitude, of more than nine hundred feet above 
the ocean, gives the surrounding country a pure and 
exhilarating atmosphere, so important for a medical 
hospital. 

The hills on the north afford an abundant supply 
of pure water, at an elevation of two hundred and 
fifty feet above the site. With such hydraulic power, 
we are enabled to supply every part of the building 
with water ; and in case of fire, throw it over every 
part of the edifice without artificial force. 

This site has the advantage of being central, as more 
than three-quarters of the population of the State can 
reach it in a ten-hour's ride. At the same time, it is 
a, retired spot, entirely separated from the injurious 
influences of a large city, and is surrounded by a moral 



93 



and highly intelligent community. Another argument 
in favor of this location is economy. The article of 
fuel, and almost every article of food (which items 
make so large a proportion of the expenses of a public 
institution), can be purchased at Binghamton much 
cheaper than in most other parts of the State. The 
New York and Erie Railroad Company have been to 
the expense of putting in a switch from their main 
track at the Asylum ground, thereby saving us much 
of the expense of cartage on materials used in con- 
structing the edifice, as well as several hundreds of 
dollars annually in the transportation of fuel and 
stores for the Asylum. In short, this location com- 
bines all the elements essential to make the Asylum 
the most healthy, the most useful, and the most attrac 
tive institution in our country. 

The particular site uj)on which the hospital is being 
erected, is a plateau two hundred and forty-three feet 
above the river, affording an extended view of the 
Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers and their beautiful 
valleys for twenty miles. 

The farm is of a good soil, and well adapted to all 
agricultural and horticultural purposes. The land 
immediately around the site gradually slopes in oven- 
direction, giving a complete drainage from the build- 
ing, and a line grade to the grounds about the institu- 
tion. 

The design of the edifice has been matured by 
visiting the principal hospitals of Europe, as well as 
the ieaaing institutions of our own country. We have 
endeavored to plan the building with all the modem 
improvements which experience has taught and science 



94 



suggested. The materials to be used in the construction 
of the walls of the building are brick and stone. The 
style of building is the castellated Gothic, three hund- 
red and sixty-five feet in length ; width of transept, 
sixty-two feet; width of wings, fifty-one feet; three 
stories in height, besides the basement, with six projec- 
tions, eight towers, and eight buttresses. The projec- 
tions are intended for staircases and store-rooms, the 
towers for bath-rooms, and the buttresses for closets ; 
thereby making every part of the building useful as 
well as ornamental, without a foot of waste room, or an 
additional dollar of expense. The transept will be de- 
voted to the offices of the Institution, the library, and 
the chapel. The Asylum will have a capacity for three 
hundred patients, and will be divided into eight wards ; 
each ward containing twenty-three rooms, which vary 
in size from 12 by 18 to 18 by 24 feet, affording an 
ample classification for patients. 

If the day should ever arrive, when this Institution 
should be no longer needed for the restraint and medi- 
cal treatment of the inebriate, then the State need 
to expend only about a thousand dollars to make the 
building one of the most complete insane hospitals in 
this country. 

The contract for excavating the cellar was awarded 
on the 17th day of June last, and that for building 
the basement walls on the 31st day of August follow- 
ing. The corner-stone of the Asylum was laid on the 
24th day of September. Since that time the work on 
the edifice has been pushed forward with great vigor 
and energy, as already more than three hundred thou- 
sand bricks, and fifty thousand cubic feet of stone 



> 95 

have been laid in the walls. The work on the build- 
ing is now suspended on account of the frost, but will 
be resumed early in the Spring. 

It would not be saying too much if we should 
state, that there has never been, in this country, a 
ceremony of laying a corner-stone of an asylum, 
which attracted so many leading men of all profes- 
sions, as the laying of the corner-stone of the New 
York State Inebriate Asylum. Citizens of distinction 
from all parts of the country honored the occasion 
with their presence. They came, not merely as idle 
spectators, but they came to unite their sympathies 
and their interests with those of the citizens of New 
York, in the important ceremony of laying the corner- 
stone of the first Inebriate Asylum in the world. 

Besides the Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, John W. 
Francis, M. D., LL. D., Bev. Henry W. Bellows, 
D.D., Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, Hon. Edward Everett, 
M. W. John L. Lewis, Jr., Alfred B. Street, Esq., 
the distinguished speakers who interested and in- 
structed the thousands who were present on the 
occasion, we were honored by the presence of a pro- 
minent citizen of Maryland, who is known through- 
out the country as the accomplished physician and the 
able Superintendent of the "Maryland Insane Asylum," 
John Fonerden, of Baltimore. 

Among the subscribers to the fund of the Inebriate 
Asylum, are the President of the United States, and 
his Cabinet ; Lieut.-General Winlield Scott, ami 
General Wool; the Governor, Lientetiant-Governor, «i- 
State Officers; Justices Nelson, McLean, Grier, Wayne, 
and ninety other judges. Ex-IVesidenl Van Buiyu, 



96 

Ex-President Fillmore, Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, Hon. 
Preston King, Hon. Gerritt Smith, Hon. John Savage, 
and three hundred and eighty other lawyers. Eli- 
phalet Nott, D. D., LL.D. ; Edward Everett, LL. D. ; 
Washington Irving, Esq., Charles King, LL. D. ; Isaac 
Ferris, D. D., LL. D.; Martin B. Anderson, LL.D.; 
Eight Eev. Bishop Potter, D. D. ; Eight Eev. Bishop 
Whitehouse, D. D. ; Eight Eev. Bishop Janes, D. D. ; 
Eev. Thomas De Witt, D. D. ; Eev. George W. Be- 
tlxune, D. D. ; Eev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D. ; Eev. 
Francis L. Hawks, D. D. ; Eev. George B. Cheever, 
D. D. ; Eev. Henry Ward Beecher ; Eev. William E. 
Williams, D. D. ; Eev. N. S. S. Beman, D. D. ; Eev. 
D. Kennedy, D. D. ; Eev. J. S. P. Thompson, D. D. ; 
Eev. William Shelton, D. D. ; Eev. J. C. Lord, D. D. ; 
Eev. J. M. Campbell, D. D. ; Eev. Eay Palmer, D.D.; 
Eev. E. W. Condit, D. D. ; Eev. C. Dewey, D. D. ; 
Eev. W. C. Wisner, D. D., and four hundred other 
clergymen. Valentine Mott, John W. Francis, Alex- 
ander H. Stevens, Willard Parker, J. M. Carnochan, 
C. E. Gilman, B. Fordyce Barker, James E. Wood, 
Lewis A. Sayre, John J. Crane, Elisha Harris, John 
O'Eeilly, E. H. Thompson, James H. Armsby, Thomas 
C. Brinsmade, John McCall, J. F. Trowbridge, Eichard 
A. Varick, John P. Gray, E. M. Moore, James P. White, 
Frank Hamilton, and nine hundred other physicians. 
William C. Bryant, James Watson Webb, Gerard Hal- 
lock, Hon. H. J. Eaymond, Hon. Erastus Brooks, Hon. 
Moses S. Beach, David M. Eeese, M. D. ; Edward H. 
Dixon, M. D. ; Henry D. Bulkley, M. D. ; Samuel S. 
Purple, M. D. ; William W. Hall, M. D. ; J. Hancock 
Douglass, M. D., and eighty other editors. James 



97 

Boorman, George Griswold, William B. Crosby, C. H. 
Russell, James Donaldson, Robert B. Minturn, John 
C. Green, John David Wolfe, Thomas Tileston, Henry 
Grinnell, Stewart Brown, Wilson G. Hunt, W. Butler 
Duncan, Jonathan Sturgess, M. M. Van Beuren, John 
Hecker, Erastus Corning, A. Champion, L. Wright, 
R S. Burrows, L. A. Ward, H. White, G. B. Rich, 
Jesse Ketchum, and fifteen hundred other merchants. 

The subscriptions to the fund of the Asylum (inde- 
pendent of the land donated by the citizens of Bing- 
hamton, worth twenty-five thousand dollars), amount 
to fifty thousand dollars ; of which more than twenty- 
five per cent, is already paid in, and the remainder 
will be collected as soon as possible. 

There are many good and benevolent men and 
women in our State, who will give largely and liberally 
to this Asylum, as soon as the State shall have stretched 
forth its powerful arm to aid in founding it. Many 
there are who will remember this institution in their 
last bequests. The late Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, 
the first President of this Asylum, has left its first 
legacy. Our late worthy President fully realized its 
importance, and the interest lie manifested in laboring 
in this great work, shows that it had his entire con- 
fidence and deepest sympathies. 

Let the State appropriate a sufficient amount to 
assist to build this Asylum, and such other buildings 
as the institution shall require lor the eomfort and 
convenience of its patients, and we will agree never 
to apply io the State for any additional appropriation 

for its support. The workshops ami the farm will 

give employment and support to the poor patients, 



98 

while the rich will pay for their treatment and sup- 
port. 

No compensation has been received or is expected 
by the Trustees, for their services rendered to the 
object. We have no salaried officers or agents of any 
description. 

In this brief communication, it would be impossible 
to lay before you the full and minute morbid anatomy 
and pathology of inebriety ; nor do we think it neces- 
sary to present a complete history of twelve years, 
spent in the investigation of this disease, to show the 
importance of an immediate action on the part of the 
State, in appropriating an amount sufficient to aid in 
founding the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 
Every means has been used on our part in this country, 
and in Europe, to make a thorough investigation of 
the physiological and pathological character of in- 
ebriety. We have studied its pathology from two 
hundred and ninety-eight subjects which we have care- 
fully dissected, writiug out the history of each case, 
with its morbid conditions, which history embraces 
more than seven hundred pages of manuscript. These 
dissections demonstrate that inebriety is a disease, 
first constitutional, and then hereditary in its cha- 
racter and tendencies, as much as any malady which 
man is heir to. Every physician knows that a predis- 
position to become affected by certain diseases (on 
the application of the exciting causes), does certainly 
exist in the human family, and particularly in the 
diseases of inebriety, scrofula, gout, and mania. In 
some instances, the predisposition is more strongly 
marked than in others. But where it is inert and 



99 

insufficient of itself to produce disease, it only requires 
the application of an exciting cause. This is the 
proper light in which we should regard hereditary 
predisposition to inebriety. It may pass over one 
generation, and appear in the next, so that the grand- 
father and grandson (the first and the third gener- 
ation), may be inebriates, while the intervening link 
escapes. This phenomenon is noticed by every com- 
mon observer. 

Its hereditary character and result is shown by the 
mortality of children, born of inebriate mothers, in 
whom are found the same character of ulcerations of 
the stomach, liver, intestinal canal, with the indurated 
condition of the brain, as we find, in chronic cases, pro- 
duced by five or ten years of excess in the use of 
alcoholic stimulants. In a lecture delivered last 
"Winter, at the Augusta City Hospital, by Professor 
L. A. Dugas, M. D., upon the "Importance of Estab- 
lishing Asylums for the Control and Medical Treat- 
ment of the Inebriate," he says, in speaking of the 
offspring of the inebriate, a That he does not hesitate 
to proclaim it as a law of almost universal application, 
that three successive generations of inebriates ay ill 
leave no issue. The third generation may have chil- 
dren, but not one of these will be reared to manhood.' 1 
Other distinguished physiologists entertain the same 
opinion. 

We find that the number el' deaths among children 
under ten years of age, is the greatest in those oitiea 
where alcoliolie stimulants are u^eil \o excess, OS the 
following tables (which we have collected with great 



100 



care) show. The deaths of children under ten in the 
city of New York for the year 1854, were as follows 

1 Year Old and Under, . . . 9,166 

1 " " 2 . . . 3,697 

2 " " 5 . . . 2,810 
5 " " 10 . . . 1,079 



Total, 16,752 

The whole number of deaths of all ages for the same 
year in the city, was 28,568 ; making the ratio of 
deaths among children in the city of New York under 
ten, to the whole number, as 6 to 10 ; while in Paris 
the ratio is only 4 to 10 ; London, 6 T V to 10 ; Edin- 
burgh, 7 to 10 ; Lyons, 3 T V to 10 ; Copenhagen, 5£ to 
10; Geneva, $£ to 10. 

Another peculiar feature noticed in this disease, is 
that morbid condition of the stomach, which is trans- 
mitted from one generation to another, lying dormant 
in the constitution, until the application of the exciting 
cause develops the morbid appetite, and places the 
victim of this inherited malady as much beyond his 
own control (after partaking of the first glass of spi- 
rituous liquor), as if he had drank to excess for years. 
Such cases were formerly looked upon as unaccountable 
phenomena, but are now regarded by physicians, 
thoroughly acquainted with the disease, as distinct 
manifestations of its hereditary character. 

Were it not for lifting the veil that covers the mis- 
ery which inebriety has entailed upon families, we 
should be able to give more than three hundred cases 
(that have come under our own observation) as illus- 



101 

trations of the peculiar morbid condition of the sto- 
mach, which is inherited in this disease. Dr. William 
Wood, of London, in a work published on Insanity, in 
1852 (page 19), says, in speaking of Jcereditary in- 
ehriety : 

" Instances are sufficiently familiar, and several have 
occurred within my own personal knowledge, where 
the father having died at an early age from the effects 
of intemperance, has left a son to be brought up by 
those who have severely suffered from his excesses, 
and have therefore the strongest motives to prevent, 
if possible, a repetition of such misery ; every pains 
has been taken to enforce sobriety, and yet, notwith- 
standing all precaution, the habits of the father have 
become the habits of the son, who, having never seen 
him from infancy, could not have adopted them from 
imitation. Everything was done to encourage habits of 
temperance, but all to no purpose ; the seeds of the dis- 
ease had begun to germinate ; a blind impulse has led 
the doomed individual, by successive and rapid stages, 
along the same course which was fatal to his father, and 
which ere long terminates in his own destruction. This 
does not occur only among the lower orders, where it may 
be supposed that education has done little towards the 
cultivation of the mind, and the government of the 
passions and propensities — for it is observed in those 
whose education and position in society afforded the 
best guarantee that their conduct would be under the 
guidance of reasbn." 

The following case (for the history o( which we arte 
indebted io DhQ., of this city), further illustrates the 
hereditary character o\' tliis malady. This case x 



102 



lady belonging to one of the most respectable families 
of our State, who died in the arms of his preceptor, 
Dr. C, in the year 1840. Dr. Q. relates : 

" That one of the daughters of this lady, who was 
present, and witnessed the death of her mother, in- 
quired of him the cause of her death ; he replied (as 
he was a student) that Dr. C, would answer her ques- 
tion more satisfactorily ; Dr. C, then being asked the 
same question, replied : ' That for a long series of 
years her mother had been in the habit of stimulating 
to excess, which had produced the disease which 
caused her death.' Since that time," says Dr. Q., 
" the daughter, who witnessed her mother's death, had 
become an inebriate, and her sister and brother had 
both died from the same disease." 

There is no one form of this disease that has attract- 
ed the attention of the medical profession, as well as 
that of the community at large, for the past ten years, 
more than mania a potu, or delirium tremens. There 
has been much speculation m, as well as Oittt of the 
profession, as regards the cause of its fearful increase. 
Some have attributed it to the use of drugged liquors, 
which are supposed to be more poisonous, consequent- 
ly more injurious to the constitution. All this may 
be true, but so far as our investigations have extended, 
we are convinced that the true cause of this increase 
of mania a potu, arises more from the peculiar consti- 
tution of the patient, than from the poisonous drugs 
now used in the adulteration of alcoholic stimulants. 
Fifty years ago delirium tremens was seldom seen, and 
when met with, was found to occur after a number of 
years of excess in the use of stimulants. Since that 



103 



period (which was a time when every man, woman, 
and child indulged in alcoholic drinks, in accordance 
with the custom of the day), this peculiar type of the 
disease has been on the increase, and now delirium 
tremens is produced by a few months' excess in alco- 
holic drinks ; and, in some constitutions, I have seen 
it developed after a debauch of twenty-four hours. 
This radical change in the disease must be accounted 
for by peculiar constitutional tendencies inherited by 
the victim of this malady. 

During the past twelve years 1179 cases of delir- 
ium tremens have come under our observation and 
treatment ; of this number 816 persons had an inebriate 
parent or grandparent, or both. I believe if the his- 
tory of each patient's ancestors was known, we should 
find that eight out of ten of them were free users of 
alcoholic drinks. One of the most remarkable cases 
that has come under our notice, showing an hereditary 
indisposition to delirium tremens, was a man of sober 
habits, whose daily occupation for six years had ex- 
posed him to the absorption of the vapors of alcohol. 
This ease was of twelve hours' duration, and exhibited 
all the marked characteristics of this disease. Other 
cases of a similar origin are recorded in medical works. 
Geoi-ov, M. Barrow, M. P., member of the Royal Col- 
lege of Physicians, London, in his work on Insanity, 
speaking of delirium tremens, says: 

"This affection has been known to be induced in 
persona oi' sober habits, whose daily occupation ex- 
posed fchem to the absorption of the tunics of alcohol." 
M. Leverette also alludes to instances of its bep 
induced. 



104 



Of all the diseases, which man is heir to, there ia 
none so dreadful as delirium tremens, one of the stages 
of inebriety. Extreme poverty, hideous deformity, 
mutilation of limbs, deafness, blindness, all these, sad 
as they are, leave alive the human affections and ad- 
mit the consolation .of sympathy and love ; while 
delirium tremens, not only makes its victim entirely 
dependent upon others for the supply of his physical 
wants, but it strips him of all the noblest attributes 
of humanity. It so entirely changes his heart that no 
affection can grow upon it, and the unhappy victim 
sinks and dies, or is so excited, as to crush the life out 
of the mother who bore him, as coolly as he would 
trample upon a serpent. 

But the most terrible results, produced by inebriety, 
remain to be told in the offspring of inebriate parents, 
who are born constitutionally insane and idiotic. Such 
wrecks of human intellect now comprise more than 
forty per cent, of all our insanity, and fifty per cent, of 
all our idiocy. There are many instances in families 
where the parents are inebriates, that several of their 
children are found to be idiotic. 

One of the most remarkable cases, we have met 
with was in a boatman's family, which I visited with a 
Russian physician, in the year 1850, in the town. of 
Saratov, province of Saratov, Russia. The history of 
this family I learned from Doctor Foloff, who had 
known them for a number of years. The Doctor stated 
that: "The three eldest children (who were idiots) 
were born when their father and mother were inebriates. 
The parents afterwards recovered from this malady 
and were healthy for four years, during which time 



105 



they had two sons born, who were active and intelli- 
gent children. Finally the parents again became ine- 
briates and had two more idiotic children." 

The increase of insanity and idiocy, in this country 
for the past ten years, has engaged the attention of 
the philanthropist and the statesman, as well as that 
of the physician. The increase in the United States, 
from 1840 to 1850, has been more than eighty per 
cent. This fact should arouse the attention, and 
quicken the action of our State to use every means in 
its power to stay this fearful waste of intellect. To 
prove that the increase of insanity and idiocy is main 
ly due to inebriety, we have only to compare Scotland 
with France, England with Austria, the United 
States with Prussia, as seen in the following tables, 
which present the ratio of the insane and the idiotic in 
those countries : 



Inebriety most prevalent. 


Inebriety least prevalent. 


Scotland, . . 1 to 563 


France, . . . 1 to 1000 


United States, . 1 to 751 


Prussia, . . . 1 to 1140 


England,. . . 1 to 793 


Austria, . . . 1 to 1258 



In extending our investigations; on insanity and 
idiocy, ive have found, in traveling through the 
Northern countries of Europe, where alcoholic drinks 
are ns^l in exec**, that the number of the insane ami 
the idiotic is greater in proportion bo the population, 
than in the South of Europe, where the weak wines are 
used as a. beverage, 

\\Y bave been compelled to differ with Borne phy« 



106 



sicians, who have made the ratio of insanity and idiocy 
produced by inebriety, much less than our statistics 
show. Their erroneous results were reached by their 
mistaking the exciting, for the remote cause of these 
maladies. Such mistakes have often come under our 
observation, and are readily made, because the friends 
of the patient often wish to conceal the true cause of 
his insanity or imbecility, especially, when it is ine- 
briety. 

It is not our purpose, in this paper, to discuss the 
exact time when the constitution becomes diseased by 
alcohol, or what quantity of that stimulant a person 
can use before becoming an inebriate. This point of 
time can be no more satisfactorily arrived at than the 
true time required for the production of yellow fever 
by the application of its exciting cause. Some consti- 
tutions would be affected in five minutes. In others 
it would require weeks, or, perhaps, months of expo- 
sure to miasmata, before the individual would discover 
the premonitory symptoms of the disease. So it is 
with different individuals who are in constant use of 
alcoholic stimulants. One person may drink to excess 
for twenty years without producing a morbid condition 
of stomach ; while another by drinking to excess the 
same number of days would produce a disease of the 
whole system. It is impossible for the physician to 
state when the constitution is first affected by disease. 
The dividing line between health and disease has never 
been determined; nor can it ever be defined. The 
physiologist has never been able to draw the dividing 
line between sanity and insanity, or to determine how 
much of the exciting cause it requires to produce a 



107 

morbid condition of the brain. These nice distinctions 
in regard to the pathology of disease do not enter 
into the discussion in reference to the importance of 
establishing hospitals or asylums. Neither is it our 
province to point out the dividing line, where the 
moral responsibility ceases, and the irresponsibility 
begins in the use of alcoholic stimulants. The time 
and the only time, when this institution can reacli the 
inebriate, is when he has lost self-control, and the law 
regards him as a dangerous citizen, or when he can be 
induced to enter the asylum voluntarily. 

We will give in brief, but not in detail, the medical 
treatment which this institution will adopt in carrying 
out its mission. It will use great discrimination in 
classifying its patients according to their physical, 
moral and social condition. ' All stimulants and opiates 
of every description, will be excluded from its treat- 
ment : cutting off at once every agent of an exciting 
character ; relying upon tonics, baths, etc., treating 
every patient according to his physical condition. It 
will insist upon a thorough hygienic course; good, 
nutritious diet, exercise, pure air, amusements in and 
out of doors, occupation, reading, religions and moral 
treatment. In short, it will treat inebriety as a phy- 
sical and mental disease. 

The time that it will require to effect a radical cure 
of the morbid condition of the stomach of the ine- 
briate, will be very different in different eases, accord- 
ing to the severity of the disease and the constitutional 
condition o\' the patient. The experience of phy- 
sicians) in ;i number o\' insane institutions, shows thai a 

very large proportion of the cases may be cured in 



108 



one year. That in that time the morbid condition of 
the stomach will be removed, the powers of the con- 
stitution will be renovated, and health be fully re- 
established ; and that this new state of the constitution 
will be such that it will not crave alcoholic stimulants. 

"We have presented in brief what the leading path- 
ologists of the day have established. By their in- 
vestigations they have removed all doubt from the 
minds of medical men, as to the malady induced by 
alcohol. They regard inebriety as a disease sui- 
generis ; having a distinct morbid anatomy and path- 
ology ; although first self-induced, yet, uncontrollable 
as insanity. 

It would not be stating too much if we should de- 
clare that the Inebriate Asylum (although the first 
institution of the kind in the world) has the most sub- 
stantial, scientific and medical indorsement of any hos- 
pital in our country. There is not a physician in our 
State, occupying a prominent position in his profession, 
who has not cheerfully and heartily subscribed his 
money to build this asylum. Their number amounts 
to more than nine hundred, and they have subscribed 
more than twelve thousand dollars. 

The following is a copy of the petition presented to 
the Legislature of 1857, which sets forth the medical 
opinion of more than fifteen hundred physicians of 
our State, as regards the importance of establishing 
the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

"We, the undersigned, Physicians and Citizens of the State of 
New York, would respectfully call the attention of your honorable 
body to the vital importance of an immediate appropriation of a 
sum of money sufficient to build the Inebriate Asylum, which has 



109 



already been chartered by the State of New York. We, as 
practitioners, have long felt the necessity of having an asylum, 
where the inebriate could be medically and morally treated, with 
sufficient restraint to control the patient. 

" Without such an institution, the Physician has been compelled 
to turn from his patient, discouraged, disheartened, and defeated 
— and the victim of this painful malady, be he rich or poor, high 
or low, educated or uneducated, alike must find a drunkard's 
death and a drunkard's grave. With this institution we can save 
hundreds, who are now crowding our insane asylums, inundating 
our courts, dying in our prisons, and perishing in our streets. 

"We are not inclined to urge the argument of economy in 
establishing the Inebriate Asylum (although we have every reason 
to believe that it will be a self-supporting institution), when fifty- 
five per cent, of all our insanity, and sixty-eight per cent, of all 
our idiocy, springs directly or indirectly from Inebriety alone. 
We regard it as a matter of duty so sacred, that until discharged 
we have no right, as a moral and enlightened people, to finish our 
great internal improvements, erect monuments in commemoration 
of battles, public works to art, or even costly temples to God. 

"We maintain that our whole lives spent in our professional 
duties, and as private citizens, go to prove that, in the present 
state of society, there is no institution so much needed as an 
asylum for inebriates. Medical science demands it ; civilization 
demands it; morality demands it; Christianity demands it; 
and everything sacred and good in our country demands it. 

"We commend this great and Philanthropic object to your en- 
lightened minds and noble impulses; trusting that the Inebriate 
Asylum will be an ornament to the State of New York, and stand 
among the brightest tributes of humanity, which our country or 
the world has ever created for the benefit of mankind." 



•Valentine Mott, 
Eimq Wood, 

•Martvn Pa 1 110, 

•dunning s. Bedford, 
•John T. Motcalfo, 
•Boberl Watis, 

•William II. Van Huron, 
•John W. Onipor, 
•Oharles B, [eaaet, 

Garilon Buck, 
Diwiil M. Rmm, 



Signed, 

John W. Fronds, 
•Alexander n 
•John Torrey, 
•Horaoe Green, 
•J. M. Garnoohan, 

*.\. ('. Tost, 

James \i. Wood, 
•Edmnnd E. Peaslee, 
•Edward n. Parker, 
•Edward H. Datta, 
William Detmold, 



Edward Delafleld, 

Thomas Cook, 
•Joseph M. Smith, 

•Willard Parker, 

*C. K. Oilman, 

•Alonio Clark, 

♦p.. r. 

. 

John 0. iv 

Abnuu P. \\ 



110 



John P. Batchelder, 
John "Watson, 
Jared Linsley, 
John J. Crane, 
G. P. Cammann, ' 
Edward Bayard, 
Edward L. Beadle, 
Henry D. Bulkley, 
Stephen Wood, 
George F. Woodward, 
Alexander B. Mott, 
Thomas 0. Chalmers, 
John P. Garrish, 
J. Henry Johnson, 
James E. Chilton, 
A. Gescheidt, 

A. N. Gunn, 
Seth Geer, 

J. W. G. Clements, 

B. W. M'Cready, 
Walter C. Palmer, 
B. W. Budd, 
James B. Kissam, 
S. E. Kirby, 

S. P. Kuypers, 
Stephen S. Keene, 
Alanson S. Jones, 
J. Foster Jenkins, 
Wm. H. Jackson, 

E. H. Kimbark, 
Frederick Elliot, 
J. C. Forrester, 
Joel Foster, 

F. Willis Fisher, 
Thomas C. Finnell, 
Henry Guernsey, 
Samuel L. Griswold, 
Alban Goldsmith, 

S. T. Hubbard, 
Galen Hunter, 
Lewis Hallock, 
James Hyslop, 
Wm. A. Hunter 3 
L. T. Warner, 
A. L. White, 
George W. Ives, 
Peter Yan Buren, 
M. D. Yan Pelt, 
A. Yan Antwerp, 
J. E. Yan Kleek, 
P. Yan Arsdale, 
James 0. Smith, 
David Smith, 
E. W. Eanney, 
J. W. Eanney, 
Abram Du Bois, 

* Professors in Medical 



Eichard S. Kissam, 
J. Marion Sims, 
Edward G. Ludlow, 
Lewis A. Sayre, 

B. E. Eobson, 
Wm. W. Miner, 
Benjamin Ogden, 
Edward H. Dixon, 
Joseph Worster, 
Clark Wright, 
Aug. K. Gardner, 
Samuel Elliott, 
H. P. De Wees, 

J. B. Dorsey, 
Galen Carter, 
W. W. Hall, 

C. Henschel, 
T. M. Halsted, 
Wm. H. Maxwell, 
Elias L. Nichols, 
Eobert McMurray, 
E. E. Belcher, 
Joseph W. Eichards, 
Wm. Eockwell 

T. M. Markoe, 
Stephen Smith, 
Joel S. Oatman, 
John O'Eeilly, 
Henry F. Quackenbos, 
H. D. Eanney, 
Joseph Martin, 
N. H. Chesebrough, 
W. H. Bell, 
James Mairs, 
B. F. Bowers, 
M. Levings, 
B. Ledeboer, 
Pardon Lapham, 
W. Henry Church, 
Edward M. Cameron, 
Alfred S. Purdy, 
H. Weeks Brown, 
Daniel Ayres, 
Daniel Brooks, 
Purcell Cook, 
James Crane, 
Daniel E. Kissam, 
E. Eossman, 
A. Cook Hull, 
John Ball, 
John Barker, 
A. J. Berry, 
H. J. Cullen, 
De Witt C. Enos, 
J. Condit Halsey, 
John F. Gray, 

And thirteen 
Collges. 



Eichard Pennell, 
Gustavus A. Sabine, 
Thomas F. Cock, 
John Miller, 

A. S. Ball, 
Alfred Freeman, 

B. F. Joslin, 
Samuel M. Watson, 
Alexander B. Hosack, 
J. H. Griscom, 

S. Conant Foster, 
William Cockroft, 
G. S. Carter, 
Alexander Clinton, 
John W. Corson, 
George Wilkes, 
F. Y. Johnston, Jr., 
James O. Pond, 
Samuel S. Purple, 
Peter Pratt, 
George Belcher, 
*Alden March, 

* James H. Armsby, 
*James McNaughton, 
*Thomas Hun, 
*Howard Townsend, 
*Dr. Quackenbush, 
*James P. White, 

* Austin Flint, 
*Frank Hamilton, 
*Thomas F. Eochester 
*E. M. Moore, 
*George Burr, 
Edson Carr, 

E. W. Armstrong, 
H. W. Dean, 

J. G. Snell, 

Thomas C. Brinsmade, 
W. N. Duane, 
Peter McNaughton, 

B. P. Staats, 
Mason F. Cogswell, 
Alfred Watkins, 

C. E. McClellan, 
James M. Minor, 
Joseph M. Turner, 
Otto Eotton, 
Sidney Wade, 

B. N. Wendell, 
H. S. Smith, 
O. H. Smith, 
T. W. Powers, 

F. W. Ostrander, 
L. C. McPhail, 
J. C. Benham, 
John Swinburne, 

hundred other physicians of the State. 



Ill 



The State Medical Society, at their meeting held at Al- 
bany, February 8th, 1857, fully indorsed the Inebriate 
Asylum, and unanimously adopted a resolution offered 
by George Burr, M. D., of Binghamton, recommend- 
ing it to the favor and earnest support not only of the 
Legislature of the State, but to the public at large. 

The following is a copy of the memorial of the 
Onondaga Medical Society, addressed to the Legisla- 
ture, January 27, 1857 : 

" The undersigned, your memorialists, the officers and members 
of the Onondaga Medical Society, have watched with much 
interest the progress made by Dr. Turner and others in estab- 
lishing an Inebriate Asylum, and have rejoiced at the success 
which has crowned their labors. The spirit which has been ex- 
hibited by our citizens, needs but to be seconded by your Honor- 
able body, to realize the establishment of an institution which, in 
the opinion of your memorialists, will prove to be one of the 
most important and beneficial, in its influence and results, which 
was ever devised for an unfortunate portion of our fellow-citizens. 
From a long experience in the duties of that profession which has 
brought us in daily contact with the victims of a diseased appetite, 
we have been forced to the conclusion that an institution, in which 
the patient could be medically and morally treated, would prove 
to be of greater benefit, socially, politically, and charitably, than 
any other institution of its nature in our land. 

"Your memorialists believe that the system devised by the 
friends of that undertaking is founded upon correct scientific and 
pathological views, and that, if it shall appear worthy to your 
Honorable body to lend the needed assistance, in conjunction with 
licit which has been so promptly extended by yonr fellow-citizens 
at. large, we shall readily experience that benefit' which can be 

realized in no other manner, and which, we sincerely believe, will 
result in a success more 1 perfect than may be expected by those 
less acquainted with the many Conns and characteristics of this 
unfortunate and extensive 1 malady. 

a Your memorialists therefore pray that the public assistance 



112 



may be extended to an undertaking which will prove a public 
benefit, and that the private confidence and individual efforts may 
be generously seconded and encouraged, by the guardians of the 
public welfare : and your memorialists will ever pray. 

" In testimony whereof, witness the seal of our Society, and the 
signatures of its President and Secretary. Signed : 

[l. s.] " A. B. Shipman, M. D., President. 

" William Manlius Smith, Secretary. 

" Syracuse, January 27th, 1857." 

The editors of the leading medical journals in this 
country, are strong advocates for this Asylum; and 
the prominent superintendents of the Insane Asylums, 
in the United States, have expressed, in their reports, 
the necessity of having an institution for the control 
and medical treatment of the inebriate. The able and 
experienced Dr. Skae, of the Royal Edinburgh Asy- 
lum, in his Eeport, in 1854, says : 

" Of all the cases of insanity which have come undei 
my treatment, there are none which have given me so 
much trouble, as those who have lost self-control by 
the use of ^ stimulants. Some Legislative enactment 
for the control of such patients, and their treatment in 
an Asylum, especially set apart for their use, would 
save many lives, and many families from shame,^ grief, 
the loss of property, and total ruin." 

Alexander Peddie, M. D., F. R. S. P. E., of Edin- 
burgh, in a very able pamphlet, which he has just 
published, on the subject of establishing an Inebriate 
Asylum in Scotland, says : 

" It is, I consider, as much the duty of a government 
to control and medically treat the dipsomaniac, as it is 
to stay the hand of the homicide or the suicide in their 
insane impulses." 



113 



The late celebrated Dr. S. B. Woodward, of the 
Worcester Insane Asylum, in an able essay on the 
subject of establishing asylums for the inebriate, 
says: 

"My connection with the Insane Asylum for twelve 
years, convinces me that the importance of an Inebriate 
Asylum has not its equal among the hospitals of the 
day ; and if such an institution could be founded it 
would be a great public blessing, and nine out of ten 
of the inebriates who could be brought under its con- 
trol and treatment would be radically cured." 

The enlightened and accomplished statesman, Gov- 
ernor Chase, of Ohio, has, in his message to the Legis- 
lature, strongly recommended an appropriation to 
build an Inebriate Asylum. Long will his name be 
remembered, as the first Governor who recommended 
an appropriation for this object. 

Among the petitioners for an appropriation to this 
Asylum are more than sixty leading judges of our 
courts; more than six hundred leading lawyers; more 
than live hundred leading clergymen ; more than fif- 
teen hundred leading physicians ; more than two thou- 
sand leading merchants ; and more than three thousand 
leading farmers and mechanics of our State. The peti- 
tioners to the Legislature, for an appropriation fortius 
institution, and the subscribers to its fond, represent 
more than fifty pr. ct. of all the propcny of the State. 

It is impossible to treat the inebriate at his home, 
without endangering the lives of his family, producing 
utter wretchedness to his friends, destruction to his 
estate, and finally, death to himself. Ever] physician 
well knows, by sad experience, that it is as impossible 



114 



to treat the inebriate successfully without an asylum, 
as it is to treat the maniac without an hospital. 

We cannot send the inebriate to the Insane Asylum 
(although the best institution yet established for his 
treatment), without doing a serious injury to the in- 
sane as well as to the inebriate. To admit them in 
the same hospital, and to classify them in the same 
ward, is to irritate the former, mentally degrade the 
latter, and defeat, in a degree, the great object of this 
truly noble charity. 

Neither are our hospitals adapted for the restraint 
and treatment of the inebriate. The following case, 
which occurred in our City Hospital, in September, of 
1857, illustrates this fact: "John Mead, a seaman 
(late of the steamship Arago), having been in the 
hospital a few days, undergoing treatment for delirium 
tremens, secretly procured a carving-knife, used by one 
of the nurses for cutting bread, and made an attack 
upon the nurse in charge, then on a sailor in the same 
ward, and finally on a young man named Wagener, 
who lay asleep on his bed. Wagener received several 
wounds, of which he soon after died. Mead was tried 
for murder, and acquitted on the ground of in- 
sanity." 

Experience teaches that in the present state of so- 
ciety the inebriate cannot be restrained in our prisons 
and alms-houses, without incurring physical suffering, 
abuse, and degradation ; without becoming worse him- 
self, and presenting a demoralizing picture to others. 
In visiting these institutions, we have not been able 
to find a case of inebriety that has had a proper medi- 
cal or moral treatment. Some have gone forth from 



115 



these moral pest-houses, preferring to perish in the 
street rather than to remain associated with criminals. 

The following case, given by Professor Mussey, of 
Cincinnati, will illustrate the complete loss of self-con- 
trol of the inebriate, and the poor treatment this class 
of patients receive in our alms-houses : "A few years 
ago, a tippler was put into an alms-house in this State. 
Within a few days he had devised various expedients 
to procure rum, but failed. At length, however, he 
hit upon one which was successful. He went into the 
wood yard of the establishment, placed one hand upon 
the block, and with an axe in the other, struck it off 
at a single blow. With the stump raised and stream- 
ing, he ran into the house, and cried : c Get some rum ! 
get some rum ! my hand is off !' In the confusion and 
bustle of the occasion, a bowl of rum was brought, into 
which he plunged the bleeding member of his body ; 
then raising the bowl to his mouth, drank freely, and 
exultingly exclaimed : c Now, I am satisfied.' " 

We are acquainted with men who have occupied 
high positions in the Church, in the State, on the 
bench, at the bar, and in the medical profession, who 
have lost all self-control, and who must perish by this 
disease. We will give the history of a case which 
came under our treatment, showing the importance »f 
having an asylum to control the patient. Dr. G., a 
gentleman avIio had occupied a high position in his 
profession, came to us for treatment and restraint. 
We took him into our office, in order to have him 
under our immediate care, lie remained with OS tour 
weeks, during which time lie secretly drank the alcohol 
from six jars containing morbid specimens. On asking 



116 



him why he had committed this loathsome act, he re- 
plied : " Sir, it is as impossible for me to control this 
diseased appetite, as it is for me to control the pulsa- 
tions of my heart." Finding that it was ont of our 
power to control him, we were under the necessity of 
sending him back to his friends, where death soon 
closed the career of this unfortunate man. 

Already, there has been more than 2,800 applica- 
tions for admission to this Institution, more than four 
hundred of whom are women in the high walks of life, 
educated and accomplished. 

Another case, which has terminated in death, dur- 
ing the past year, forcibly illustrates the want of an 
institution where the inebriate can be controlled and 
medically dealt with. This gentleman was one whom 
you have known as a private citizen and as a leading 
journalist — whose reputation at home and abroad en- 
deared him to all with whom he came in contact, 
either socially or publicly. A few years since he was 
attacked with a disease, for which his physican recom- 
mended stimulants' — the quantity to be regulated by 
the severity of the attack. The result of this pre- 
scription was, that the man became diseased by alco- 
hol, lost self-control, and died with delirium tremens. 
Three months before he died, he told me that he had 
lost self-control, and should die ; but, said he, " If the 
Inebriate Asylum was in existence, I would go to it as 
a patient, and live again." 

The last case I shall mention is that of a gentleman 
with whom you were well acquainted, and whose re- 
putation was as wide as the commerce of the nation, 
and whose commercial statistics will be consulted as 



117 

long as commerce shall flourish.* He possessed a mind 
far above mediocrity — an industry untiring as the day, 
and an energy which overcame all difficulties in busi- 
ness — yet, he could not control himself. This malady 
with him was a disease, and was. as much beyond hia 
control as insanity. No pride of character could re- 
strain him — no public reputation could control him — 
no social endearments could check him — no promise, 
no vow, however sacred, could keep him from grati- 
fying his diseased appetite. Many a time has he shed 
bitter tears over this, his calamity — has wept, and 
drank ; and drank, and wept — and died. 

We contend that this institution will have more 
elements for the successful treatment of the inebriate, 
than any Lunatic Asylum han for the treatment of the 
insane. Experience and medical science have already 
verified this fact. It is obvious to every mind that the 
removal of the insane patient to a Lunatic Hospital 
does not remove the exciting cause of insanity. It 
may require weeks, or even months, before the cause 
of mental derangement can be determined. But in 
the case of inebriety the removal of the patient to 
this Asylum, removes at once the exciting cause of his 

* The following letter, received from Hon. Ex-Mayor Lahbebt, 
of Brooklyn, refers to the case above-mentioned. 

(I Yor.K, Ifaroh -1, 
Dr. J. KnwAKP Titknkk, Albany ! 

Deer Blr :- You know Mr. ■ , EdltOT of . I saw him on Saturday, and h 

desirous thai the Asylum should be oommenced, aa bis only hope (ox a ■ 

In such a retreat My hearl bleeds for him he (eels terribly his situation | and to save snob a 

man as ■ , ta worth more than the riches of Craaus, 

I trust yqn will succeed in interesting our Legislature In the Asylum, fbrbeaseui 
monej laexponded for this ohjeot Wtll be more than Bared, by the diminution >•: ' t.ixesand 
crime. Yours truly, 



118 

malady and places him at once in the condition of 
cure. The experience which physicians have had in 
their private practice and in Insane Asylums, shows 
that we shall be able to successfully treat and radically 
cure seventy out of the one hundred patients admitted 
to this institution. . The late Dr. "Woodward, of the 
Worcester Insane Asylum, says: "From the many 
hundreds of inebriates I have treated, I am convinced 
that nine out of ten of them could be successfully 
treated and radically cured in an inebriate asylum." 
The following case given by Dr. W., shows that the 
most desperate and the most hopeless cases can be 
saved. Says the Doctor : u I once had a person under 
my care, who had used spirituous liquors in great 
quantities, and for a long period of time. He was 
placed in circumstances where it was impossible for 
him. to obtain it. Naturally vigorous and stout-hearted 
(although his face was as rough as a pine-apple, and 
of a crimson redness), his constitution seemed to retain 
a considerable energy, although he had used a large 
quantity of alcoholic stimulants daily for twenty years. 
It was concluded, in consultation, by those who now 
had the care of this unhappy man, to take away all 
his stimulants at once, and watch him carefully, and to 
administer to his wants all that nutrition of the most 
savory and grateful kind, which should alleviate in 
any measure the tempest of suffering, which we sup- 
posed he must inevitably meet. His sufferings were 
unparalleled both in intensity and duration ; the hard- 
ness of his natural ferocity was melted into childish- 
ness ; and in the agony of his torments, with torrents 
of tears flowing over his cheeks, he would beg with 



119 

all the eloquence which famished nature could call 
forth, and inward torments could elicit, that one dram, 
one glass should be afforded him. I shall never forget 
the horror of this scene ; I shall never forget the heart- 
rending appeals made to me in my daily rounds ; I 
shall never forget how far were my feelings from tor- 
turing and ridiculing this wretched sufferer, whose 
every nerve was in torment, whose stomach rejecting 
the bland nutrition that was given it, called loudly and 
imperiously for that bewitching draught, which, if 
the cause of all his horror, was, he well knew, the only 
means of relief from his present agony. But no alco- 
holic stimulant was afforded him. His symptoms 
were watched with care, and those medicines adminis- 
tered from time to time which his situation required. 
In a few weeks he improved; in a few months he re- 
cruited ; in two years he was well — in better health 
than he had been for many years. His cancerous nose 
was made smooth, and he acknowledges with gratitude 
that we saved him from ignominy and an untimely 
grave." 

It is no longer problematical that inebriety can be 
controlled, treated, and cured by an asylum ; experience 
in private practice, as well as in insane asylums, demon- 
strates this feet beyond a doubt. Are we nor incur- 
ring a. great responsibility, .-is a government as well as 
individuals, when we permil the inebriate to go at 
large, and to die, without making a proper effort to 
save him ( 

It now rests with those whom Providence has pro 
vided w\\\\ influen.ee with our State, to accomplish 
this great work, which its citizens have so generously 
begun. 



120 



Almost every physician in ordinary practice, and 
those who are connected with Insane Asylums, have 
met with such cases as the above mentioned. Had we 
time, and space in this paper, we could give more cases 
of inebriety of the most aggravated and painful char- 
acter, which have occurred in our own practice, and 
even among families in the higher walks of life ; cases, 
which have entailed insanity and idiocy on an innocent 
posterity. 

It matters not how this disease may have been in- 
duced ; whether by stimulants prescribed for sick- 
ness, or by the encouragement of parents ; by the 
influence of social friends, or gay associates ; whether 
under extenuating circumstances, or in full view of the 
terrible penalty which this malady inflicts on its victim, 
the State is equally bound to protect society against 
its outrages. The innocent and the virtuous should 
not be exposed to the insane man, let the cause of his 
insanity be what it may. He should be taken to an 
Asylum to be controlled and treated according to his 
disease. All the laws and penalties which a State can 
enact against crime committed by the inebriate, will 
never prevent him, while at large, from committing 
murder, arson, and theft, or from taking his own life. 
The experience we have had upon this subject during 
the past year alone, is enough to convince every en- 
lightened mind that such a policy endangers the life 
of every citizen, and places in the hands of the insane 
man the flaming torch of the incendiary. The true 
policy of a government is to prevent crime rather 
than to punish it. Why, then, should our State allow 
its citizens to go at large when they have lost self- 



121 



control, and when experience shows that it is not 
compatible with private and public safety for them 
to remain at liberty ? Does the State bring to life 
the murdered family, by simply going through the 
accustomed forms of judicial procedure, in order to 
punish the man for what he can scarcely be held re- 
sponsible, or place him as a criminal at the bar, when 
his testimony would not be received in the witness- 
box, or find out too late that he really is a maniac, 
and send him at last to an Asylum as a criminal ? 
The only true and enlightened policy, then, which ex- 
perience points out and judgment dictates, is for the 
State to provide an Asylum for this class of our insane. 
Every enlightened citizen of our country will approve 
of such a policy, and long will be remembered the 
Administration which has through its wisdom provided 
an Asylum where the inebriate can be controlled and 
treated ; and in which his malady can be awed — a 
malady which is a disease in individuals, a curse to 
families, a plagiie to communities, and a destruction to 
races. 

It is but a few years since that our asylums were 
established for the treatment of the insane poor 
They were advocated by men of intelligent minds and 
noble hearts ; yet, our legislators opposed the plan 
on the ground of extravagance. Some of the leading 
journals of that day also made severe attacks upon 

this noble and humane charity. Where is the man 
of an enlightened mind who would now advocate 
the policy of closing up our insane asylums on the 

ground of economy, and would Bend the maniac back 
(o the poor-housefi and jails, because the State is too 



122 



poor and too much in debt to support the lunatic where 
his malady can be medically dealt with ? Necessity 
now calls as loudly for the Inebriate Asylum, as it did 
for the Insane Asylum. Who can doubt the import- 
ance of this Institution, when observation teaches that 
Inebriety consigns annually to the grave more of its 
victims than small-pox, yellow fever, and cholera com- 
bined — a disease that lays its blighting and withering 
hand upon the buds of early years as well as upon 
manhood, the maturer tree of life ? On what family 
hearth-stone in our land is not found recorded its 
mournful biography of blasted hopes, broken vows, 
destroyed constitutions, and premature deaths? 

Physicians throughout the State have declared, in 
memorials to the Legislature : " That there is no insti- 
tution so much needed as the Inebriate Hospital." 
What better testimony can be produced to show its 
importance % What argument can be raised in justi- 
fication of the policy of our State, in refusing to ap- 
propriate to this object, when the united voice of the 
intelligence of our country demands it as a necessity ? 

To place a true value on the importance of this In- 
stitution, we have only to recall the history of early 
associates, some of whom have long since met the ine- 
briate's fate, and gone to the inebriate's grave. By 
such an Asylum, our friends would have been saved 
from a premature death, and would have held stations 
of honor and usefulness in society. Who can tell what 
near and dear friend of ours may hereafter fall a vic- 
tim to this disease, and, in a state of delirium tremens, 
take his own life or massacre his own family? Pain- 
ful as it is, yet, it is our duty to found hospitals for 



123 



our posterity. If our children should become inebri- 
ates, God forbid ! that they should not find an asylum 
for control, treatment, and cure. 

The learned Dr. John W. Feancis, in his able and 
eloquent address, delivered at the laying of the Cor- 
ner-Stone of the Asylum in September last, expressed 
most fully the opinions of the entire profession (which 
he so ably represented on the occasion), relative to the 
action of the State in lending her aid to found this 
hospital : " It is apparent, however, that too many 
circumstances favor the projection and organization of 
this establishment, to entertain for a moment the idea 
that neglect at any time will mark the action of our 
State authorities. The intellectual refinement of the 
age forbids the thought — the people at large are too 
much interested in its success — legislation cannot be- 
come so short-sighted, as to look with coldness on the 
design ; and public sentiment must overpower adverse 
feelings, if, perchance, such a miraculous interposition 
should unfortunately occur, against an at present uni- 
versal acquiescence." 

The Government of France, which has so long been 
celebrated for its humane and medical institutions, has 
never turned a deaf ear to the applications made by 
her scientific and her medical men, tor assistance in 
founding hospitals or institutions lor charity. Prance, 
whether at peace or in war, with her treasury full or 
depleted; has always i\m\u\ money enough for 
object which her medical men have considered to be 
important for the well-being of society, and the pre- 
servation of the health and lives of her subject-. We 
hope I hat our State will imitate the noble and liberal 



124 



policy of France, in first providing for all of her 
benevolent and humane institutions, before extending 
her national improvements. 

Every principle of sound political economy, as well 
as an enlightened Christianity, shows that the State is 
bound to provide liberally for the control and treat- 
ment of the inebriate. The inebriate has already 
paid to the State the revenue arising from the Excise 
Law (for it is not the vender, but the cousumer, who 
pays this revenue)-^ — a revenue sufficient in amount to 
provide an asylum for his control, treatment, and cure. 
Yet the State permits him to die in jails and poor- 
houses, or perish in the street ; to entail upon his 
posterity all the morbid conditions of this disease, and 
stamp forever, disgrace and pauperism upon his 
innocent children. What better use could the State 
make of the revenue arising from the Excise Law, than 
to pay it back to the heart-stricken wife, and the 
worse than fatherless children, who have been robbed 
of every comfort of life to pay this revenue to the 
State. Should it not be restored to them, by giving 
back from this Asylum a husband and father, reclaimed, 
redeemed, and saved ? If the State permits a revenue 
to arise from this business, it should amply provide 
for the disease* it creates. Our alms-houses receive 
this revenue, yet there has never been a case of 
inebriety, which has received a judicious medical and 
moral treatment within their walls. It matters not in 
what direction this* revenue is directed, it belongs 
exclusively to the cure of the disease it creates. If the 
State appropriates it to other objects, it should provide 
for its cure from the general fund of the State. Nothing 



125 

short of this can cancel the State's obligation to the 
desolate family of the inebriate. 

We are happy to see that you, as an enlightened 
statesman, regard it " creditable to Christian civiliza- 
tion and humanity" for the State to expend forty 
thousand dollars for an asylum at Auburn to control 
and treat thirty-seven insane convicts ; " and that you 
recommend further appropriations to the same object." 
If it is creditable to an enlightened Christianity and 
humanity for the State to spend so large an amount in 
providing for the physical comfort and control of the 
insane convict, what kind of Christian civilization and 
humanity (we would aslc), is that which will excuse 
the State in a policy of withholding aid to found an 
institution which the physicians of our State regard 
as more necessary than any insane asylum in the 
world? Has not the State an interest in saving the 
inebriate who has once presided over its government 
as its chief magistrate, sat upon the bench as its learn- 
ed judge, plead at its bar as no man ever plead, offi- 
ciated at the sacred desk as the devoted pastor, in- 
structed and delighted the student as the learned 
professor and accomplished physician ? Is it not more 
valuable to save the lives of these men to the State, 
to the country, and to the world, than (that of the 
insane convict in our prisons \ Has not the State a 
greater interest in rescuing its valuable citizens from 
a premature grave 1 , than in the completion of her 

canals 1 

If owv State regards our internal im\ 
be of gi mum- Importance than the livesof< 
then he word poverty is substituted for ova* , and 



126 

our Christian civilization is but a sham, and our pre- 
tended humanity a disgrace to Christendom. 

In placing this Asylum in the front rank of the 
charities of the age, we would not diminish the 
importance of other great benevolent institutions of 
our country. They are the expressions of the noble 
impulses of individual benevolence. They are a 
shadowing forth of that true humanity and exalted 
paternal love, which our State throws around her 
weak and unfortunate children. 

Finally, let the Legislature be urged to make imme- 
diately, an ample provision for this Institution, cost 
what it may. New York is not too poor to do any 
thing which is shown to he her duty. 

"We herewith submit the whole subject for your 

mature deliberation, trusting that your administration 

will be characterized by a sound and noble policy, 

and known only for its wisdom, purity, and humanity 

With much respect, I remain, 

Your humble and obedient servant, 

J. EDWARD TURNER, 
Cor. Sec. of the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

97 Clinton Place, Eighth Street, 
New York, Dec. 30, 1858. 



L E T T E E S 



FKOM DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



. 



Cflrrnpffttfoitn 



The following are a few of the numerous letters 
received from gentlemen invited to be present on the 
occasion. 



A letter from the Hon. James Buchanan, President of the 
United States. 

Washington City, 24th Sept., 1858. 

My Dear Sir : — My recent brief visit to my home in Pennsyl- 
vania lias prevented me from acknowledging sooner your very kind 
invitation, in behalf of the Trustees of the Now York State Inebri- 
ate Asylum, to be present this day :it the Laying of the Corner- 
stone of the building for that noble Institution, 

This undertaking commends itself (<> the warm approbation of 
every friend of humanity, and every lover of his country ; and I 
most cordially wish it all the success which it si^ eminently and 
justly deserves. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

.1 LMBS Bl I B wax. 

To X Edwaui) Turner, Secretary, 
9 129 



130 

H. 

From Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of State. 

Washington City, Sept. 17, 1858. . 

Dear Sir : — It would afford me great pleasure to accept your 
invitation to be present at the Laying of the Corner-Stone of the 
New York State Inebriate Asylum, at Binghamton, on the 24th inst., 
were it in my power. But my public duties will necessarily detain 
me here at that time, and, instead of participating in the ceremonies 
which will mark that interesting occasion, I must content myself 
with expressing my deep sympathy with this noble effort to 
redeem human nature from one of the most terrible evils which 
afflict it, and my hope that it may meet all the success which its 
best friends could desire. 

With great respect, I am, dear sir, your obd't servant, 

Lewis Cass. 
J. Edward Turner, Binghamton, ET. Y. 



in. 
From Hon. Johk B. Floyd, Secretary of War. 

Washington, Sept. 20, 1858. 

Dear Sir : — I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 
16th, inviting me to participate in the ceremony of Laying the 
Corner-Stone of the ISTew York State Inebriate Asylum. 

Sympathizing most sincerely with the benevolent objects of the 
founders and promoters of this noble enterprise, in behalf of a class 
of unfortunates on whom have been expended so much of the com- 
miseration of the world, and so little of its charity, and for whom 
so few well-directed efforts have been made, it would afford me 
unmingled gratification to be present on this interesting occasion. 
But, I regret to say, the pressing nature of my public duties will 
compel me to forego that pleasure, and to decline the invitation 
you have so kindly extended. I can only offer my best wishes 



131 



for the success of an Institution which adds one to the many- 
works which have risen as monuments to the munificent benevo- 
lence of your citizens, and my assurance of the high respect with 
which I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, 

John B. Floyd. 
J. Edwaed Tuenee, Secretary, 

N". Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



TV. 

From Son. Aaeon V. Beown, Post-Master General. 

Washington City, 18th September, 1858. 
Sie : — I regret that engagements connected with my public dutico 
forbid my acceptance of your invitation to be present at the Lay- 
ing of the Corner-Stone of the New York State Inebriate Asylum, 
at Binghamton, on the 24th inst. 

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Aaeon Y. Beottx. 
To J. Edwaed Tuenee, Secretary, 

Binghamton, N. Y. 



From Hon. John A. King, Governor of the State of New York. 

Stale of New York, ) 

Executive Department, Albany, Sept iTtli, 1858, * 
Dear Siu : — I regret exceedingly that it will not be possible for 
me to accept your invitation to be present, and assisl at the Laying 
of the Corner-Stone of the Neii 5Tork State Inebriate Asylum, at 
Binghamton, on the 24th of September. My engagements, at this 
moment, require my whole time, and my presence here. 1 fully :\|^ 



132 



predate the noble and untiring efforts you have made in this great 
cause of humanity ; and congratulate you, and the people of the 
State, that those efforts are about to be crowned with success, by 
the erection of the first Inebriate Asylum in the world. May you 
reap the true reward of so much labor and anxiety, in the solace 
and comfort it will afford to all who may be received within its 
friendly walls. 

With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant, 

John A. King. 
De. J. Edwaed Tuenee. 



VI. 

From Hon. Peeston King. 

Ogdensburgh, Sept. 16, 1858. 
J. Edwaed Tuenee, Secretary, &c. : 

Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 11th inst. is received, with an 
invitation in behalf of the Trustees of the New York State Inebri- 
ate Asylum, to participate in the ceremonies at Binghamton, on 
Friday, the 24th day of September, inst., when the Corner-Stone 
of the Asylum will be laid. 

It would give me great pleasure to be present ; and I regret 
that my engagements are such as to prevent tny attending. The 
generous object which your Association proposes, is one that chal- 
lenges the approval and favor of the public. 

With my best wishes for the success of the Asylum, and with 
my thanks for your kind invitation, 

I am, very respectfully, 1 

Peeston King. 



133 



vn. 



From, Hon. R. Campbell, lAeut. Gov. elect of the State of 
JYew York. 

Bath, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1858. 

My Dear Sir : — I have received your favor of the 20th instant, 
and regret that my business engagements are such as to preclude 
me from being present at the ceremonies of Laying the Corner- 
stone of the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

For the past quarter of a century, the philanthropists of this 
and other countries have been engaged in efforts to suppress the 
use of intoxicating liquors, as a beverage. Moral suasion and coer- 
cive measures have both proved unavailing to stay the desolating 
ravages of the evil, or disease of intemperance. The time has 
now arrived when something should be done by way of cure to 
the victims of this malady — and if this pioneer Institution shall 
prove to be that moral lever (Avhich its friends anticipate) to ele- 
vate that unfortunate class, who have become inebriates ; and 
restore them to their friends and to usefulness, then will all future 
generations of men arise and call those blessed, who shall have 
aided in establishing or sustaining this Asylum. 

With much respect, your obedient servant, 

R. Campbell. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner, Secretary^ 
N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



VIII. 

JF)'0?n Hon. A. J. Pakkku. 



St. Nicholas Hotel, { 

NYw York, Sept. 28, L86& \ 
Dr. J. Edward Tiknkk. 

Dear Sir: — Your note of 20th hist., inviting me to be p r C B OB t 
to-morrow at the Laying of the Corner-Stone oi' the N. V. State 



134 



Inebriate Asylum, has been forwarded to me here, from Albany 5 
and has but just now reached my hands. In acknowledging its 
receipt, I am compelled to express my great regret, that the pro- 
fessional engagement, which called me here, will detain me all the 
week, and thus prevent my acceptance. 

With a sincere desire for the success of the Institution you 
represent, and great respect for those engaged in its establishment, 
I am, very truly, yours, 

A. J. Paekee. 



ix. 

From Son. Daniel F. Tiemann, Mayor of the City of JVew 

York. 

Mayor's Office, ) 

New York, 23rd Sept., 1858. ) 
To J. Edwaed Tuenee, Cor. /Sec, 

1ST. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 

Dear Sir : — I have just received your note inviting me to be 
present at Binghamton on the 24th inst., and to participate in 
the solemnities of Laying the Corner-Stone of the New York State 
Inebriate Asylum, the pioneer Institution, as you truly say, of the 
kind in the world. 

I can assure you, my dear sir, that it would afford me great 
happiness to be with you on this most interesting oecasion (as it 
promises to be), and to participate in the ceremonies of the day ; 
but my official engagements here will deprive me of this pleasure. 

But if not able to be present in person, I am with you in heart. 
I believe that this Institution will result in signal good to that 
unfortunate class, for whose care and treatment it has been de- 
signed, and that the example thus inaugurated by its benevolent 
founders, will be followed by the establishment of similar asylums, 
not only in other sections of our country, but throughout the 
globe. 

With my best wishes for the success of your noble work, I 
remain, my dear sir, yours, very respectfully, 

Daniel F. Tiemann. 



135 



From Hon. N". S. Benton. 

Albany, September 24, 1858. 
J. Edward Turner, Secretary, &c. 

Dear Sir : — In consequence of a temporary absence from the 
city, your esteemed favor, of the 20th instant, was not received 
by me until this day. 

I should take great pleasure in being with you on the highly 
interesting occasion of Laying the Corner-Stone of your valuable 
Institution, which, in its practical results, must confer on man so 
many and great blessings. 

The lateness of the hour at which your letter was received, 
must, of course, be a sufficient excuse. 

I thank you for the nattering manner in which you have been 
pleased to express your appreciation of the interest and feelings 
that you suppose I entertain of your noble work, and allow me 
to say, I am, with great respect, yours, 

N. S. Benton. 



XI. 

From Washington Irving, Esq. 

Sunny-Side, September 14, 1S58. 

My Dear Sir: — It gives me great satisfaction to learn that the 
Corner-Stone of the New York State (uebriate Asylum is about 
to be laid, and I should rejoice to be present on so interesting an 
occasion; but I am afflicted at present by a severe access of an 
inveterate catarrh, wnich renders me unfit for any place but 
home. 

I beg you to make my grateful acknowledgements to the Board 
01 Trustees for the invitation with which' they have honored me, 
and to accept my thanks tor the ven kind expressions of your 
letter. 

With great respect, your obliged ami humble servant, 

Washington Lri 
J. Edwauo Tukneb, Secretary^ Ac 



136 

xn. 

From James Bookman, Esq. 

Hyde Park, Sept 21, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edwaed Tuenee. 

Dear Sir: — I have your favor of yesterday. I should have 
much pleasure in being with you to participate in the ceremonies 
of Laying the Corner-Stone of the ISTew York State Inebriate 
Asylum. But circumstances do not admit of my leaving home at 
the present* time. I must, therefore, confine myself to the expres- 
sion of my best wishes, that your life may be preserved to see 
the Institution (for the establishment of which you have so per- 
severingly and honorably labored), in the full tide of successful 
operation. Philanthropy could not have selected a more fruitful 
object for the relief of suffering humanity. 

Your friend and obedient servant, 

J. BOOEMAN. 



xni. 
From Eliphalet Nott, D.D., LL.D. 

Union College, Sept. 11, 1858. 

Deae Sie : — On my return from a short excursion, I find your 
letter. My heart is in the charity in favor of which you ask me 
to lead in the prayer to be offered to Almighty God in its behalf 
on the occasion referred to in your letter. 

It pains me, therefore, to assure you that neither my health, nor 
my previous engagements will allow me to comply with your 
request, and can only therefore, though absent, unite in supplica- 
tions to our common Father for his continued blessing in behalf 
of this noble charity. 

Please present my acknowledgements to the Board, and believe 
me, yours, with great respect, 

Eliphalet Nott. 
Dr. J. Edwaed Tuenee. 



137 



xrv. 
From the Bight Reverend Bishop Potter, D.D. 



33 West 24th Street, ) 



New York, September 23, 1858 
Dr. J. Edward Turner. 

My Dear Sir: — I regret very much that absence from town 
prevented me from receiving your note until to-day, and that my 
engagements make it quite impossible for me to be with you to- 
morrow. There is no undertaking which deserves more sympathy 
than well-directed efforts to reclaim and save the Inebriate. That 
your efforts may be crowned with abundant success, is the earnest 
hope of, dear sir, your friend and servant, 

H. Potter. 



xv. 

From the Bight Beverend Bisnor Janes, D. D. 

New York, November 4th, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner. 

Dear Sir: — My absence, on official duties, prevented me from 
being present on the interesting occasion of Laying the Corner- 
stone of the New York State Inebriate Asylum; and lias also 
prevented an earlier reply to your note. 

I congratulate you most sincerely on your success in this 
humane enterprise. It is a noble work, and I anticipate from it 
great good to poor, wrecked humanity. 
May your philanthropy never fail, or oven flag — God and dutj ! 
Yours truly, 

E, s. ,i.\m>. 



138 

XVI. 

From Professor Roswell D. Hitchcock, D. D. 

Union Theological Seminary, ) 
New York, September 22d, 1858. j 
Dr. Tuener. 

My Dear Sir :— Your kind letter, inviting me to take part in 
the services at Binghamton, on the 24th inst., was duly received. 

I acknowledge the validity of your claim upon me, and should 
myself be only too happy to contrast what you will see and hear 
at Binghamton, with what you and I saw and heard at the Broad- 
way Tabernacle, now nearly three years ago. Then, a handful 
of people : now, a crowd. Then, the chill of a general apathy : 
now, the cheer of popular favor, and the largest expectations of 
good results. I congratulate you on this great change. You 
have done the work, or at least have inspired others to do it ; and 
I know of no man who would dream of disputing the laurel with 
you. 

My own opinion of the desirableness of such an Institution as 
this, whose Corner-Stone you are now about to lay, remains un- 
changed. To hundreds upon hundreds of poor victims of appetite, 
whose wills have become enslaved beyond all self-help, this retreat 
will prove a great mercy. It will help them to do what they 
would never do alone, and recover themselves to bodily and 
mental and moral soundness. 

I regret my inability to be with you at the Laying of the 
Corner-Stone. Our term has so recently commenced, that I do 
not feel myself at liberty to break in upon its routine. But you 
have my best wishes, now and ever. 

Yours, very truly, 

Roswell D. Hitchcock. 



139 



XVII. 



From Theodoee Feelingiiuvsen, LL. D., Chancellor of Eutgers 

College. 

New Brunswick, N. J., September 15th, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edwaed Tuenee. 

Dear Sir : — I duly received your kind note of invitation to the 
Corner-Stone Celebration of the N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum, 
on the 24th inst. 

I regret that our Fall Session of the College opens next week, 
and it is very important that I should be here. I must, therefore, 
decline, while I thank you for the favor. 

I rejoice that a systematic effort will now be made by your noble 
charity, for the recovery and relief of as wretched a class of our 
fellow-men as ever drew the tears of humanity. 

Very respectfully, your obedient serv't, 

Theo. Feelixghutsen. 



xviii. 
From Hon. Geoege F. Foet, M. D., Mc-Gover?ior of New Jersey. 

New Egypt, New Jersey, September 20, 1858. 

My Deae Sir: — Your favor of the 15th inst., inviting me to 
participate in the ceremonies of Laying the Corner-Stone of the 
New York State Inebriate Asylum, on the 24tb instant, was duly 
received. 

I regret that the state of my health will not admit of my pres- 
ence on that interesting occasion. 

Permit me to congratulate you upon the success which has 

erowned your efforts lor this object. This Institution, aiul others 
of a similar character, which will shortly follow it, will supply a de- 
sideratum in the moral ami philanthropic progress of the age, ami 

will be viewed with maoh gratification by every well-wisher of 

his kind. May you live to see many restored to health and 



140 



sobriety by the remedial measures of this Asylum, and to witness 
many domestic circles restored to peace and happiness through its 
means. I am, dear sir, yours respectfully, 

Geo. F. Fort. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner, Secretary, &c. 



XIX. 

From Hon. John C. Mather. 

New York, September 21, 1858. 
Br. J, Edward Turner, Secretary, 

' N". Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 

Dear Sir : — I find, much to my regret, that indispensable en- 
gagements, in another locality, will deprive me of the pleasure of 
accepting your kind invitation to be present at the Laying of the 
Corner-Stone of the N"ew York State Inebriate Asylum, on the 
24th instant. I take this occasion, however, to congratulate you 
upon the success which has thus far attended your protracted and 
gratuitous labors in this good cause. The aims and objects of 
your Institution are noble and praiseworthy ; and it must, there- 
fore, commend itself to the favor of the wise and the good every- 
where. 

The site upon which your edifice is to be erected is one of sur- 
passing beauty, and for this magnificent gift, with the hundreds 
of acres which surround it, you are solely indebted to the liberality 
of the enterprising citizens of J3inghamton. The ceremonies of 
the 24th will be invested with peculiar interest to yourself and 
others, who have taken so deep an interest in this beneficent 
enterprise. 

May the foundations of this noble institution be laid broad and 
deep, and its future prosperity be commensurate with its merits. 
May you receive abundant encouragement in the noble mission 
you have undertaken, that your Institution may open wide its 
doors to the unfortunate, whom it is designed to benefit, and thus 
be enabled to scatter its blessing broadcast throughout the land. 
With great respect, yours, 

John C. Mather. 



141 



XX. 



From lion. Samuel Sloan. 



President's Office, Hudson River Railroad, ] 
New York, Sept. 18, 1858. f 

Dear Sir : — I regret that pressing engagements will prevent 
me the pleasure of accepting your invitation for the 24th hist., 
when the Corner-Stone of the Asylum is to be laid. 

You have my warmest congratulations, and best wishes for the 
success of this truly philanthropic enterprise. 

Respectfully yours, 

Samuel Sloan. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner, Secretary, &c. 



XXI. 



From Charles Moran, K«j. 

Office of the New York and Erie Railroad Company, ) 

New York, Sept. Hi, 1858. \ 

Dear Sir: — I duly received your favor of 1-tth instant. If 1 

can absent myself IWhii the city, I shall, with pleasure, accept 

your kind invitation to be present at the Laying of the Corner- 

Stone of your Institution, in the success of which, you arc aware, 

I lake great interest. 

Beliere me, truly yours, 

t Ob Lfl, Moi: w. 

To Dr. ,J. Edward Turner, Binghamton. 



I 



142 

xxn. 

From Son. Joshua B. Smith. 

Hauppauge, Long Island, September 15th, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner 

Dear Sir : — Yours of Sept. 11th, inviting me to be present at 
the Laying of the Corner-Stone of the State Inebriate Asylum, 
on the 24th instant, has just been received. I should be glad to 
attend a witness of so important a ceremony, but other engage- 
ments about that time, will prevent a compliance with your 
request. You will, however, permit me to say that I regard the 
object to be truly a philanthropic one, and you have my best 
wishes for a prosperous time on the occasion. 
Respectfully yours, 

Joshua B. Smith. 



xxiii. 
From Hon. A. C. Hand. 

Elizabethtown, New York, Sept. 21, 1858. 

Gent. : — I have the honor to acknowledge an invitation on 
behalf of the Trustees, to be present on the occasion of Laying 
the Corner-Stone of the New York State Inebriate Asylum, on 
the 24th inst. 

It would afford me great pleasure to do so, but I am prevented 
by pre-engagements. 

The object of the Institution is worthy of the noblest efforts 
of every benevolent mind, and I trust it will be completely suc- 
cessful. 

Accept my sincere wishes for the success of the enterprise. 
Very respectfully, 



A. C. Hand. 



To Hon. Benj. F. Butler, President, 
v And J. Edward Turner, Secretary, 

N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



143 

XXIV. 

From Hon. Richard Keese. 

Keeseville, September 20th, 1858. 

Gentlemen: — Your favor of the 9th current, came to hand a 
few days since, in which you express a hope that I may be present, 
and co-operate with you in Laying the Corner-Stone of the New 
York State Inebriate Asylum. 

Previous engagements will prevent my being present on that 
interesting occasion ; interesting on many accounts — among which 
is the fact that it is fondly hoped that many persons will be re- 
claimed and returned to their families and friends, and others 
rendered more comfortable than they can otherwise be made. 

With much respect, I remain your humble and obedient serv't, 

Richard Keese. 
To the Officers and Trustees of the 

1ST. Y. State Inebriate Asylum, Binghamton. 



XXV. 

From D. T. Brown, M. D. 

Bloomingdale Asylum for the Insane, ) 
N. Y. City, Sept 20, lSoS. j 

J. Edward Tuknek, /Secretary, 

N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum : 
Dear Sir : — I have to express my obligations for your invitation 
to attend the cerentonies incident to the oommenoemenl of your 
Asylum building, and) my regret thai it will not be in my power 
to be present, 

It is scarcely accessary for me to assure you of my sympathy 
in a work of benevolence closely allied to tbo one which cr 
my own sendee; nor of my hope, that the philanthropists who 



144: 



have entered upon this new field may accomplish all the good 
they propose. 

I do not know the provisions of your organic law ; but if you 
are empowered to interpose the restraint of your Institution in 
those cases which must otherwise terminate in the destitution of 
whole families, you will arrest an evil of which few persons have 
any just conception. 

In such a purpose, and in the rescue of the human body and 
soul from the destruction caused by intemperance, the best minds 
and noblest hearts of our country might engage with honor. 

In my official experience here, I have constant reason to deplore 
the want of such an institution as yours will probably be — possess- 
ing adequate legal authority to accomplish that which we some- 
times attempt by sufferance of the patient — a condition which too 
generally affords little probability of his restoration. 
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 

D. T. Brow, 
Physician of Blooming dale Asylum. 



XXVI. 

From Thomas S. Kirkbride, M. D. 

Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane, ) 
Philadelphia, September 23, 1858. f 

My Dear Sir : — I have received an invitation from the Board 
of Trustees of the New York Institution for Inebriates, to be 
present at the Laying of the Corner-Stone of their building, and 
regret that imperative engagements here will prevent my being 
with you on so interesting an occasion. 

It is now many years since I had occasion, in my Reports, to 
advocate the establishment of an Institution for the reception and 
treatment of the class you propose taking under your protection 
and enlarged experience has only tended to confirm my convic- 
tions of its necessity and usefulness. With an enlightened and 
wise administration of its affairs, and proper laws for the control 



145 



of those who may be committed to the care of the Institution, I 
am quite confident that it will prove worthy of the liberal regards 
of your Legislature, and of benevolent individuals — a blessing to 
the people of your State, and an honor to all who, under many 
.discouragements, have been instrumental in securing its founda- 
tion. Very respectfully yours, 

Thomas S. Kirkdride. 
To Ben j. F. Butler, President, 

N". Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



XXVII. 

From John Fonerden, M. D. 

Maryland Hospital for the Insane, ) 
Baltimore, Sept. 21, 1858. ) 
Dr. J. Edward Turner : 

Dear Sir : — It will give me great pleasure to be present at the 
Laying of the Corner-Stone of the New York State Inebriate 
Asylum ; and I beg you to accept my thanks for the invitation. 
Very respectfully, 

John Fonerden, Medical Sup't. 



XXVIIT. 

Baltimore^ October 16th, 1858. 

Dr. J. Edward Turner: 

My Dear Sir: — Accept my thanks for the papers which you 
have sent, containing Reportsof the Proceedings at the Laying of 
the Corner-Stone of,the N. Y. State [nebriate Asylum. 

It. was a vor\ greal pleasure to me to be present on that inter- 
esting occasion. I fully accept the opinion which you ha\ < BO 

successfully advooated, that there is as much need of as 



10 



146 

a certain class of inebriates, as there is for the insane. Many 
minds throughout the Union will look with deep interest, and 
with sanguine hope, upon the great work which the State of New 
York has determined to introduce to the attention of the public. 
I believe that, when this Asylum is in operation, it will become a 
medium of blessings to its inmates, and to their kinsfolk, and also 
of valuable moral instruction to the world, respecting the influence 
of hereditary laws, of early education in the family, of tempera- 
ment, example, &c. 

With my warmest wishes that complete success in establishing 
a model institution in this new field of labor, will crown the plans 
and purposes of the Trustees, 

I am, your obedient servant, 

John Fonerden. 



xxix. 
From W. S. Crtpley, M. D. 



Eastern Lunatic Asylum, } 

Lexington, Ky., September 19, 1858. j 

Gentlemen : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your invitation to be present at the Laying of the Corner-Stone of 
the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

I regret that more than ordinary official duties intervene to 
prevent me from being present to v/itness the interesting cere- 
monies of such an important occasion. 

The proposed Institution has my warmest sympathies, and I 
most ardently wish it a success fully commensurate with the 
anticipations of its patrons and friends. I hope that, ere long, 
every State in the Union will have one or more similar retreats, 
for those who would, if they could, dash from their lips the poison 
that is robbing them of their manhood, desolating their homes, 
and embittering every source of rational pleasure. 

The proposed Institution is but another evidence that the pre- 
dominant feature of the present — the glory of our age — is an 
expansive benevolence, which is seeking to comfort the wretched, 



147 



to elevate the fallen, and to ameliorate the condition of every 
class of society. 

New York deserves the proud appellation of the Empire State 
not only in virtue of the extent of her territory, the number of her 
people, the magnitude of her commerce, but still more in virtue 
of the magnificent provision she has made, and is still making, f^. 
the relief of the unfortunate. These enormous demands have not 
exhausted her resources, nor dried up the fountain of her charity; 
again she steps forth, the noble Pioneer in a new field of benevo- 
lence. 

May the New York State Inebriate Asylum flourish until her 
mission shall have been accomplished, and there shall not remain 
one of that pitiable class it is intended to shelter. 

Yours truly, 



W. S. Chipley. 



To Benj. F. Butler, President, 

And J. Edward Turner, Secretary, 
N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



XXX. 



From W. II. Rockwell, M. D., Superintendent of In some 
Asylum at IWaltleboro. 

Brattleboro, Vermont, September 20th, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edward Tuktskk : 

Dear Sir : — Yours of the 10th hist, is received. It would afford 
me great pleasure to be present a1 the Laying of the Corner-Stone 
of your Institution. I highly approve the objed and design, and 
believe it will be the means of dispensing much good to many 
unfortunate persons. 

I exceedingly regret that circumstances beyond my contr< 
prevent my being present on the occasion. 

With great respect for yourself, and those associated with yon 
in this benevolent enterprise, 1 remain, 

Truly yours, 

W. 11. Rockwell. 



148 

XXXI. 

From Henry M. Harlow, M. D. 

Maine Insane Hospital, ) 

Augusta, Maine, Sept. 16, 1858. \ 

Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
favor of the 9th inst, extending to me your polite invitation to be 
present at the Laying of the Corner-Stone of the New York State 
Inebriate Asylum, at Binghamton, Broome County, 1ST. Y., on 
Friday, the 24th instant. 

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to accept your 
kind invitation ; but duties at home, and other circumstances, will 
prevent my doing so. 

The object of such an Institution as you propose to erect, is a 
noble one, and claims the attention of every philanthropist : to 
raise up the bowed-down — to speak gently to the erring — to 
administer to the wants of the sick — to reclaim the inebriate — and 
alleviate the condition of all unfortunates, are Christian, Heavenly 
duties ; and he who does them well, exemplifies the Golden Rule : 
" As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to 
them." 

Wishing you much success in the great enterprise you have 
now commenced, and hoping that others may soon be led to fol- 
low your example, in providing for the wants of the inebriate, 

I remain, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Henry M. Harlow. 
To Benj. F. Butler, President, 

1ST. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 



149 

xxxn. 

% From John M. Galt, M. D. 

Eastern Lunatic Asylum, ) 

Williamsburg, Virginia, September 17, 1858. f 

Gentleman : — I have to acknowledge the reception, last 
evening, of your polite invitation to be present at Binghamton, 
on the 24th of September, when the Corner-Stone of the New 
York State Inebriate Asylum will be laid. 

It would give me great pleasure to attend the initiation of such 
a noble undertaking, did not circumstances forbid such action. 

I cannot allow this opportunity to pass, however, without ex- 
pressing my best wishes for a prosperous issue to this new 
and important attempt to alleviate the horrors of one of the 
sorest evils which afflict the race of man. Who can look upon 
an effort of this kind without emotion, when he reflects on the 
innumerable evils arising from intemperance. The tears of the 
widow, the sad fortune of the desolate orphan, the crime and the 
bloodshed, the disease, the waste of talent, and the utter wreck 
of hope. 

When we view only a single aspect of this terrible evil, Ave 
must hail with our most ardent wishes the amelioration which the 
State of New York now proposes to attempt. Her benevolent 
Institutions for the Insane, for the Blind, for the Deaf Mute, and 
especially that for the poor Idiot, will well compare with those 
of any country on the globe. It is suitable, therefore, that she 
should be the Pioneer of an additional amelioration, and extend 
the empire of her illustrious benevolence over an additional 
object of compassion. That this new foundation may be com- 
mensurate in the good effected with the other charities winch she 
has already established, is the most earnest hope of, 
Very respectfully yours, 

,!oii\ M. Galt, Medical SufPU 
To Benj. F. Butler, President^ 

And .1. Edward Turner, Secretary^ 

N. V. State Inebriate Asylum, 



150 

XXXIII. 

From ^Edward C. Delavan*, Esq 

South Ballston, September 21, 1858. 
Dr. J. Edward Turner, Secretary, 
N. Y. State Inebriate Asylum. 

My Dear Friend : — I have your esteemed, kind, and very flat- 
tering letter of the 14th instant, also one from the Trustees of 
the State Inebriate Asylum, both inviting me to attend the 
Ceremony of Laying the Corner-Stone of that Asylum, at Bing- 
hamton, on the 24th instant. Nothing would afford me more 
pleasure than to be present at the inauguration of this benevolent 
Institution, which you and your associates have, by the most un- 
tiring zeal and perseverance, brought to its present promising 
position ; but an engagement, which I cannot forego, will prevent 
me the gratification. 

I cannot but look upon this Institution as one of the happy 
results of the Temperance Reform. When that reform commenced, 
the drunkard was generally looked upon with contempt — as an 
outcast — as a degraded being, not worth an effort to save. Now, 
he is viewed by good men with compassion and love — as a 
brother to be saved, having a sore disease, requiring the kindest 
attention, and the best medical skill and advice. 

I sincerely hope, my dear sir, that the Asylum now about to be 
erected may realize all its most sanguine friends have anticipated, 
and when those you have reclaimed from a vicious appetite and 
degradation, shall leave the shelter prepared for them, to return 
and mingle again with the world, may those temptations which 
would now meet them at almost every step, inviting them back 
to their old habits, exist no longer: for it is an acknowledged 
fact, that the reformed man must be a total abstainer for ever, to 
be safe. 

With sentiments of high regard, I am truly your friend, 

Edward C. Delay an. 



CHARTER AND BY-LAWS 






153 



CHARTER 



NEW YORK STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM. 



An Act to amend an act entitled "An Act to incorporate the United 
States Inebriate Asylum, for the reformation of the poor and des- 
titute Inebriate, passed April fifteenth, eighteen hundred and 
fifty-four, and the act amending the same, passed April twenty- 
third, eighteen hundred and fifty-five, and to change the name of 
this Institution." 



PASSED MAECH 27th, 1857. 



The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and 
Assembly, do enact as follows : 

Section 1 . The act entitled "An Act to incorporate the United 
States Inebriate Asylum, for the reformation of the poor and desti- 
tute Inebriate, passed April fifteenth, eighteen hundred and fifty- 
four, and the act amending the same, passed April twenty-third, 
eighteen hundred and fifty-five," are hereby amended so as to read 
as follows : 

§ 2. All persons who shall become subscribers pursuant to this 
act, shall be, and they are hereby constituted a body politic and cor- 
porate, by the iiiuiio of the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

§ 3. Any person donating the sum o( ten dollars to the Asylum 
hereb\' incorporated, shall be deemed a suhseriber and stockholder. 

§ 4. The object of this Institution shall be for the medical treat- 
ment and control of the inebriate, and for that purpose it shall have 
power, in its corporate name, to take, purchase and hold real estate 



154 

in the State of New York, and erect thereon a building or build- 
ings suitable for the purpose of an Asylum, herein before named, 
and to take, purchase, hold and convey such personal property as 
may be necessary to carry out the object of said Asylum, and for no 
other purpose whatever. Said Asylum shall have power to sue and 
be sued ; to make and use a common seal, and alter the same at 
pleasure ; to take and hold any grant or devise of land, or any do- 
nation or bequest of money or other personal property, to be ap- 
plied to the founding and maintenance of said Asylum. 

§ 5. The fund of said Institution shall be fifty thousand dollars, 
but may be increased to three hundred thousand dollars, at any 
time the Board of Trustees may think it compatible with the best 
interests of said Asylum, and shall be deemed personal property. 

§ 6. All the affairs and concerns of said Asylum shall be managed 
by and conducted under the direction of forty Trustees, who shall 
be subscribers and citizens of the State of New York, and who shall 
be elected by the subscribers, after the present year, annually, on 
the first Monday in February of each year, by ballot, by plurality 
of subscribers present, or represented by proxy, each and every sub- 
scription of ten dollars having one vote ; if, for any cause, such elec 
tion shall not be so held, the said Asylum shall not be deemed dis- 
solved, but said election shall be held within twelve months there- 
after ; notice of the time and place of each election shall be published 
for two weeks immediately preceding the day appointed therefor, in 
the State paper. The said Board of Trustees annually, from their 
own body, and as soon as may be after their election, shall proceed 
to elect by ballot a President and Treasurer of said Asylum, who ? 
so long as they shall continue Trustees of said Asylum, shall hold 
their offices respectively during the pleasure of the Board of Trus- 
tees, and said Trustees shall have the power to fill vacancies in their 
own body, caused by the death, resignation, or removal from the 
State of New York, or otherwise, of any Trustee or Trustees, and to 
make all by-laws not inconsistent with the laws of this State, as they 
may deem proper for the management of the affairs of said Asylum, 
and shall appoint annually by ballot, at least thirty days before snch 
election of Trustees of said Asylum, three fit and disinterested persons 
Inspectors of the then next election of Trustees, and at any time 



155 

before the election, supply any vacancy "which may occur in the 
office of any such inspector. Five of the Board of Trustees shall 
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All commit- 
tees, physicians, agents, and officers authorized by this act, or by 
the by-laws of this Asylum, shall be appointed by the Board of Trus- 
tees. -Each Senatorial District of this State shall be entitled to one 
or more of the Trustees of said Institution, who shall reside in said 
district which he represents in the Board of Trustees. 

§ 1. No subscriber of this Asylum shall be liable, in his or her in- 
dividual capacity, for any contract, debt, or engagement of said 
Asylum, after the full amount of their subscription is paid in. 

§ 8. John W. Francis, Washington Hunt, Benjamin F. Butler, 
Anson G. Phelps, Edward A. Lambert, William E. Dodge, N. A. 
Prince, David Hoadley, Jacob S. Miller, Noah Worrall, J. H. Ran- 
som, Franklin Johnson, J. Edward Turner, Thomas W. Olcott, Hen- 
ry A. Brewster, George W. TifFt, C. P. Wood, Hamilton Murray, 
Henry P. Alexander, Allen Munroe, Charles H. Doolittle, William 
T. McCoun, Walter L. Sessions, Josiah B. Williams, Charles Cook, 
John Greig, R. II. Walworth, Charles H. Ruggles, Edward F. Shon- 
nard, Ransom Balcom, S. N. Sherman, Lucius S. May, Joseph Mul- 
len, John Conkling, T. C. Brinsmade, John F. Rathbone, Peter S- 
Danforth, P. Richards, Frederick Juliand and Danforth K. Olney, 
shall constitute the first Board of Trustees, who shall hold their 
offices until a new Board of Trustees is elected, and they shall be 
Commissioners, whose duty it shall be to locate said Asylum, and 
to receive subscriptions to the funds of said Institution. 

§ 9. Said Institution shall have power to receive and retain a 1 ! 
inebriates who enter said Asylum, either voluntarily or by the or- 
der of the Committee of any habitual drunkard ; all poor and des- 
titute inebriates who are received into said Asylum shall be employ- 
ed in some useful occupation in or about the said Asylum; said 
inebriates shall have all moneys accruing from their labor, after the 
expenses of their support in said Asylum shall have been paid. 
which shall he sent lo their families monthly ; if said inebriates have 
no families, it shall be paid to him or her at their discharge from 
said Institution. 

§ 10. The Committee o( the person <A' any habitual drunkard 



156 

duly appointed under existing laws may, in his or their discretion, 
commit such habitual drunkard to the custody of the Trustees, or 
other proper officers of said Asylum, there to remain until he shall 
be discharged therefrom by such Committee. 

§ 11. The Board of Trustees of said Asylum shall make an an- 
nual report on the third Wednesday of January in each year, in 
detail, of their proceedings, income, expenditures, the number of 
patients admitted, discharged, and remaining in said Institution, 
verified by the affidavit of the President and Treasurer, which re- 
port shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. 

§ 12. This act shall continue in force for the period of fifty years, 
subject, however, to amendments, and repeal by the Legislature ; 
and at the dissolution of said Institution, the Asylum and the 
grounds attached thereto shall be ceded to the State of New York, 
to be used by said State for some benevolent institution. 

§ 13. This act shall take effect immediately. 

State of New York, ) 
Secretary s Office. ) 

I have compared the preceding with the original law on file in 
this office, and do hereby certify the same to be a correct transcript 
therefrom, and of the whole of said original law. 

Given under my hand and seal of office, at the city of Albany, 
[h. s.] the seventh day of April, in the year one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-seven. 

N. P. STANTON, 
Deputy Secretary of State. 



151 



BY-LAWS 



NEW YORK STATE INEBRIATE ASYLUM. 



CHAPTER I. 

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES. 

Article 1. The annual election of Trustees of this In- 
stitution required by the act of incorporation, to be held on 
tion of Trus- the first Monday in February in each year, shall be held 
at the Institution; the poll to be opened at 12 o'clock M.> 
and to continue open until 2 o'clock P. M. 

2. Before each election, the Board of Trustees shall 
appoint (at least thirty days) three fit and disinterested 
persons, Inspectors of the then next election of Trustees, 

electing in. and at any time before the election supply any vacancy 
which may occur in the office of any such Inspector. 

3. The Inspectors of elections, as soon as the poll is 
closed after any election, shall proceed to canvass the votes, 

The duties of and shall sign a certificate declaring who are the persons 

Inspectors. ° l 

elected as Trustees for the ensuing year; and shall deliver 
the same to the Recording Secretary, to be riled and 
preserved. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE MEETING 01 THE HOARD. 

Article 1. There Bhall be a stated annual meeting of 

meeting of tlio Board of Trustees on the first Monday of February in 
each year, at 10 o'clock A. M., at the office of the Institu- 
tion J and regular meetings of the Trusters shall be held 

on tho second Tuesday of each month. 



'v 



158 

2. Special meetings may be called by the President at 
his discretion, and it shall be the duty of the Correspond- ™% P reSdent 
ing Secretary to call such meeting, at the written request J^SUm*©? 
of not less than three Trustees ; but no special meetings the Board - 
shallbe called, without stating in general terms the busi- 
ness to be transacted. All meetings so occurring or called, 
shall be held at the office of the Institution, and shall be 
convened at 11 o'clock A.M. They may be adjourned ^jo Urned 
from time to time, and by the consent of two-thirds of 
those present, to any other place of meeting. The Corre- 
sponding Secretary shall give timely notice of such meet- 
ings to all the Trustees ; which notice shall be made by 
letter through the Post Office, directed to their respective 
places of residence. 



CHAPTER ni. 

Article 1. In case of the absence of the President, pities of 

Vice-Presi- 

Vice-President, and second Vice-President, the Board dent and sec- 
ond Vice- 
shall appoint a President pro tern. President. 

2. The order of proceedings shall be as follows: the 
minutes of the preceding meeting shall be read before the ™e ^manner 
Board proceeds to any other business ; and no debate shall |J e th ™BJj]jJ 
be admitted, nor question taken at such reading, except as 

to errors or inaccuracies. 

3. The President shall determine all questions of order, 

and his decision shall be final, unless two members require Powers of 

. the President 

an appeal to the Board. He shall name all Committees, 
unless herein otherwise provided, or unless the Board shall 
otherwise determine. 

4. Every member presenting a paper to the Chair shall 

first state its general purport; and every member who shall ^Pf g r a of 
make a motion, or offer a resolution, or speak on any sub- Jgg™ ° a r 
ject under discussion, shall rise and address the President, resolution. 

5. No debate shall be entered into on any motion or 
resolution, until it shall be stated from the Chair ; and all ^aS* * 
motions shall, if requested by the President or by two 
members, be reduced to writing, and no member shall speak 



159 



more than twice on any one question, without permission 
of the Board, 
disposing of ^. While a question is under consideration, no motion 
a question. g } ia n D0 ma d ej except to amend, divide, commit, postpone, 
substitute, or lay upon the table ; but it shall be in order 
at any time, on the call of three members, to take the 
previous question. Any member may call for the division 
of a question, or a resolution, where the sense will admit 
of it. If business of different kinds shall be called for at 
the same time by different members, the President shall 
determine the business that shall have the preference. The 
yeas and nays shall be taken, and shall be recorded on any 
question, if called for by any member previous to the deci- 
sion on such question ; but no motion for reconsideration 
shall be permitted, unless made by a member who was in 
the majority on the original question. 

7. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, but 
shall be decided without debate. 



Powers of 

the 

President. 



Appeal. 



Adjourn- 
ment. 



CHAPTER IV. 



OFFICERS MODE OF APPOINTMENT AND TENURE OF OFFICE. 

Article 1. The following permanent officers shall be 
Officers. elected : A President, Vice-President, second Vice-Presi- 
dent, Treasurer, Register, and Corresponding Secretary, 
They shall be elected by ballot, and the majority of all 
the votes cast shall be necessary to a choice* 

2. The President, Vice-President, second Yice-Presi- 
S m offl""uid ^ont, Treasurer, Register, and Corresponding Secretary, 
whenthe shall hold their offices until the first election of Trustees 

election 01 

officers shall by the subscribers; thereafter, and after every succeeding 

take place. , 

election, it shall be the fitsl duty of the Trustees elected 
to elect these offioere: but if they fail to do so under the 
previous provisions, then a President pro fcm, and a 
Secretary pro tern, shall be appointed by a majority of the 

Trustees present; and thereafter a motion to proceed to a 
Choice of these officers shall have the preference over all 
other business. 



160 

3. All officers, except the President,Vice-President, second 
Vice-President, Treasurer, Register, and Corresponding 
Secretary, shall hold their appointments during the pleasure 
of the Board. All vacancies occurring by the death, resig- 
nation, or otherwise, of any of the permanent officers, or in of h fiii,™ an ^r r 
the Board of Trustees, shall be filled, for the remainder of^smadeva- 
the term of the Board, in the same manner as is provided ^* lh a ?d 
for the appointment of such officers ; and all vacancies shall 
be filled without any unnecessary delay. 

CHAPTER V. 

Article 1, There shall be four Standing Committees 
appointed, viz. : 

2. 1. On Finance. 

2. " Location. 

3. Construction and Repairs. 

4. Management and Discipline. 

3. Each Committee shall consist of five members. Each 
Committee shall appoint its own chairman. They shall ^j"^ *■ 
be appointed by ballot, unless that formality is dispensed Chairmen of 
with by unanimous consent; and shall be reorganized tees - 
after every election of Trustees by the subscribers. At the 
meetings of the Committees three shall be a quorum. 

4. The respective duties of these Committees, in addition 

to those that mav from time to time be committed to T ]? 6 datie8 

•* of the Com 

them, shall be as follows : mittees. 

CHAPTER VI. 

ON FINANCE. 

Article 1. To devise and report to the Board ways 
and means to meet the expenses and claims on the Insti- 
tution, and to raise funds for the same. They shall meet Meeting of 

. i J the Commit- 

at least once every six months to examine the accounts of tee. 
the Treasurer, and report them in full to the Board ; and 
shall from tim^ to time report all other necessary particu- 



161 

lars connected with the financial concerns of the Institu_ 
rer sbaii'be a tion. The Treasurer shall be a member of this Committee t 
theCommit- but shall not act in auditing accounts. 

tee. 

COMMITTEE ON LOCATION. 

2. The Committee on Location shall select and report to 
How the the Board (subject to their approval) a site for the Asylum > 
shall select and for this purpose may receive all proposals which may 

be made by any city, town, individual or individuals, for 
such site, and may visit the same before any report be 
made to the Board of Trustees. 

CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS. 

3. The Committee of Construction and Repairs shall have 
T f b th v °c CTa tne superintendence in constructing, repairing, remodeling 
•mittee. or enlarging the edifice or edifices for the Asylum, and all 

the buildings connected with said Institution. They shall 
Reports of make all necessary reports from time to time to the Board 
tee. of their business ; and shall audit all accounts and demands 

arising in this department 

MANAGEMENT AND DISCIPLINE. 

4. The Committee on Management and Discipline shall 
Appoint- have the supervision of the Asylum. They shall make all 
Physicians, appointments of Physicians, and supply all necessary wants 
wants, how f sa id Asylum. Shall make all rules and regulations for 

tiupplieu. J * 

theBoard° ^ e g overnmen t thereof; and report to the Board, monthly 
a full and minute account of the number of patients re- 
ceived, discharged, and remaining in said Institution, and 
of all their transactions. Shall audit all accounts an d 
mands arising in this department. 

stated meet- These several Committees shall establish regular mi 

ing of each . , , • , iv* 

Oommitlb. meetings, and appoint the day and hour ot convening 
thereof and extra meetings maybe hold at the call ot* tin ir 
respective chairmen. 

CHAPTER VII. 
BTjnaa of o 
Duties of the Article 1. The President shall preside at all the 

ings of the Board. He shall sign all contracts, agreements, 



162 

and other documents affecting the property or the liability 
of the Institution; unless when the execution of such 
papers is otherwise provided for by the Board. Shall see 
that all statements and reports required to be made by the 
charter are filed in the office of the Secretary of State. 

2. The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, Duties of the 
shall preside over the Board of Trustees, and exercise all dent and sec- 

ond "VicG* 

powers delegated to the President. The second Vice- President. 
President, in the absence of the President and Vice-Presi- 
dent, shall preside over the Board of Trustees, and 
exercise all powers delegated to the President and Vice- 
President. 

3. The Treasurer shall receive all the dues and collec- 
tions of the Institution. He shall pay all demands and Treasurer!* 
claims against the Institution, and take and file in proper 

order the vouchers on which the payments are made, and 

shall take proper receipts and discharges thereof. He ™ n % ° f 

shall pay no moneys except under authority emanating from Receipts. 

., -r, , Payment of 

the Board. Money. 

He shall keep, or cause to be kept, a regular cash book 
constantly written up, showing his receipts and payments. 
He shall also open, or cause to be opened, a regular set of Books 
books, and such other books as may be found necessary. 

Shall examine and prepare for auditing all accounts 
against the Institution. He shall balance the books of the 
Institution on the first day of January and July of each 
year. 

He shall also prepare the annual report to be made to Report of the 
the Secretary of State, in accordance with the Act of In- the Secretary 
corporation. He shall give bonds to the Institution, with ° tate ' 
sureties satisfactory to the Board, in the penal sum of ten£ ondsoftbtf 

J , Treasurer. 

thousand dollars, for the faithful discharge of the trust 
committed to him. 

4. The Register shall keep a journal of all the business 
transacted before the Board of Trustees and the reports of 

each Committee, which he shall enter in a book kept for Duties of the 
that purpose. At the opening of the meeting of the Kegliter * 
Board, he shall read the record of the previous meeting, 



163 

and if correct, shall certify the same, by placing his signa- 
ture to the journal. In the absence of the Register, the 
Board shall appoint a Register pro tern. • 

5. The Corresponding Secretary shall keep a letter book, 
The duties of ^ a which sna ^ ke entered a copy of all the letters written 
the-" corres- i n connection with the business of the Institution. He 

ponding 

Secretary. s \ rd \\ fi\ Q a \\ letters received for said Institution, and answer 
the same. In the absence of the Corresponding Secretary, 
the Board shall appoint a Corresponding Secretary pro 
tern. 

CHAPTER VIE. 

CORPORATION SEAL. 

Article 1. The corporate seal of the Institution shall 

corporation De engraved with an appropriate device, and with the name 

of the Institution; and shall be in the keeping of the 

Treasurer, to be used under the direction of the Board of 

Trustees. 

CHAPTER IX. 

ALTERATION OR SUSPENSION OF BY-LAWS. 

Article 1. None of the foregoing By-Laws shall be 
The power to repealed or altered, unless a majority of the Trustees vote 
By-Lawa. f° r the repeal or alteration ; nor unlet* upon a motion of- 
fered for that purpose at a meeting of the Board at least a 
month previous thereto j and with the like previous notice 
through the Post Oflice, to each Trustee of the time and 
place of the meeting of the Board ; and of the general ob- 
ject of the intended motion. But any of the By-Laws may 
of'uu" sKm k° suspended by the unanimous vote of the Board at any 
uy-i.aws meeting thereof, not less than two-thirds of the whole 
Hoard being present; but such suspensions hot to continue 
longer than to the next subsequent meeting o( the 
Board. 



■fl 



THE ANNUAL MEETING 

OF TUB 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 

AND THE APPEAL OF THE SAME TO THE CHURCHES 

AND TO THE PUBLIC. 



1C5 



167 



ANNUAL MEETING 



BOARD OF TRUSTEES 



At a meeting of the Trustees of the New York State 
Inebriate Asylum, held in the City of Albany, on the 
8th day of February, 1859, the Hon. William T. 
McCoitn", Vice-President of the Corporation, presided. 
The afflicting intelligence of the death of the Hon. 
Benjamin Fkanklin Butler, late President of the 
New York State Inebriate Asylum, having been com- 
municated to the Board by Dr. Turner, the following 
resolutions, prepared by John W. Francis, M.D., LL.D., 
of New York, were offered by the Hon. Eeubebf 
Hyde Walworth, seconded by Hon. Washington 
Hunt, and unanimously adopted : 

Resolved, That, by'the^emiseof BiSifrjAHn* Imiaxkt.in Butler, 
the Inebriate Hospital has lost one of its most efficient supporters^ 
and intelligent advocates. 

llesolced, That it will ever be a melancholy, but deep satisfac- 
tion to the founders of this Institution, to remember, th;it when 
the Corner-Stone of the edifice was laid, Mr! BuTLBR's eloquent 
voice was heard (although for the last time) on an occasion of 
public benevolent enterprise; and that oaeof the latest acts of 
his useful and honored life, before Leaving his native land, was t>> 
consecrate the great work j n which we are engaged, by an earnest 

appeal to the patriotism and the humanity pf his countrymen, in 
its behalf. 



168 

Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the tributes paid 
to his character, talents, self-devotion, and religious faith, by the 
Church, the Bar, and the Press ; that we offer our heartfelt condo- 
lence to his afflicted family and bereaved friends, and that we 
recognize in his example of practical benevolence and intelligent 
zeal, a new motive to carry on our beneficent design, with confi- 
dence and faith. , 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the 
bereaved family of the deceased, and that they be published in 
the daily papers of the City of New York. 

In offering these resolutions, Chancellor Walworth 
said, in substance : 

Me. President : It is not necessary for any one 
before this Board, to pronounce an eulogy upon our 
deceased President and brother, Benjamin F. Butler 
— for he was well known to every member of the 
Board of this Institution, as one whose heart and 
whose hand was always ready to engage in any benevo- 
lent enterprise which had for its object the ameliora- 
tion of the condition of his fellow-men in this life, or 
the security of their happiness beyond the grave. I 
have known him well for nearly forty years, in pri- 
vate, as well as in public life: and though the dis- 
charge of his professional and public duties, which he 
never neglected, occupied a very great portion of his 
time, he always found sufficient leisure to engage in 
works of benevolence and charity, as well as in the 
higher duties of religion. As a lawyer, it may be 
truly said of him, " Semper paratus, semper fidelisP 
He was always ready — always faithful to the interest 
of the client whose cause he had espoused ; and in the 
important public offices which he held, he was equally 
vigilant and careful to discharge their duties promptly 



169 

and efficiently : not in reference to his own private 
interest, or personal advancement, but solely in refer- 
ence to the interests of the public. In a word, he was 
a pure patriot, an active and zealous philanthropist, 
and a devoted and active Christian. 

But he has been taken from us, and from the Presi- 
dency of this Board, in the midst of his usefulness, to 
his reward in heaven. We are forcibly reminded, 
therefore, that what remains for us to do, in the work 
in which we are engaged as members of this Board, or 
in any other benevolent enterprises for the benefit of 
our fellow-men, must be done quickly — for we must 
soon follow our deceased brother and associate to the 
grave — and must render an account of our several 
stewardships, before the throne of the Eternal. 



171 



AN APPEAL 

OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE INEBRIATE ASYLUM, TO THE CHURCHES 
OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, IN BEHALF 
OF THAT INSTITUTION. 

Having been disappointed in our most sanguine ex- 
pectations of receiving from the Legislature of the 
State of New York an appropriation of one hundred 
thousand dollars, to assist in founding the Inebriate 
Asylum, we are compelled to appeal to the liberality 
of the churches of our country, and to the public at 
large, to co-operate with us in the great medical, moral, 
and religious work of founding this Institution. We 
shall extend to all the churches and individuals in our 
land (who are donors to this Asylum) equal rights 
and privileges in sending inebriate patients to this 
Hospital. 

When a Government neglects to provide for its 
great humane and charitable institutions, and the sick 
and the insane are left to languish in our aln^houses, 
and perish in our streets, then it becomes the duty of 
every benevolent and patriotic citizen to aid all those 
great works of philanthropy which the Stale fails to 
assist. 

What is the duty Off society towards its unfortunate 
children ? With regard io the inebriate, it is clear and 
imperative. It is the duty of evpry Christian com- 
munity to provide the best means tor the eure of the 
curable, and to take care of the incurable. This duty 
157 



172 

of society, besides being urged by every consideration 
of humanity, will be seen to be more imperative, when 
we consider that inebriety is, in many cases, hereditary, 
and the result of the imperfect or vicious social cus- 
toms of our ancestors. 

So great has been the necessity felt for an Inebriate 
Asylum, that more than nine hundred leading physi- 
cians, of all schools / more than four hundred clergy- 
men, of all denominations ; more than four hundred 
leading lawyers, of all parties, have subscribed to the 
fund of this Institution. 

Of all the maladies which man is heir to, there is 
none that requires an asylum for its treatment, more 
than inebriety. Yellow fever, cholera, small pox, deaf- 
ness and blindness — all these, sad as they are, may be 
successfully treated at home; while the inebriate, 
without an asylum, perils his own life by his own 
hand, jeopardizes the lives of others, and dies, at length, 
a most painful death. In no physical condition in 
which man is placed, either in disease or health, can 
we find him cheerfully surrendering food, raiment, 
shelter, and friends, to gratify any passion or desire, 
except in the diseased appetite produced by alcoholic 
stimulants. Where is the man who has power of 
mind and determination of purpose to withstand the 
torments of hunger and thirst, when rich viands and 
delicious waters are placed before him ? Will he 
not break bars and bolts to satisfy the cravings of his 
famishing nature ? Blame not the inebriate, then, for 
breaking his resolutions, and disregarding his vows, 
when, in view of the wretched results of his excesses, 
he lifts to his lips the poisonous draught, which, if the 



cause of all his woes, is the source of all his consola- 
tion — puts to sleep the torments of his stomach, 
soothes his agitated nerves, and gives a momentary 
respite to his infernal misery. Can any person who 
has witnessed the inebriate's sufferings, believe 
that the hunger and thirst of a famishing man are 
more terrible than the morbid appetite of the ine- 
briate — an appetite which leads its victim to forego 
food, raiment, and every physical comfort, to spend 
his last farthing for alcoholic stimulants, even when 
his emaciated body is perishing for the want of its 
natural sustenance ? 

t This Institution (while relying for its success upon 
the careful classification of its patients, its rigid, but 
kind, police discipline, its judicious hygienic and medi- 
cal appliances, its moral and religious influences), will 
prove the most powerful auxiliary to the Church in 
rescuing from the thralldom of a diseased appetite a 
class of our fellow-citizens, whose present physical and 
mental condition excludes them from the pale of reli- 
gious influences — a condition more deplorable than 
that of any heathen on the face of the earth. 

Who can doubt the vital importance of such an 
asylum when, even before its first story is completed, 
more than twenty-eight hundred applications have 
been made for admittance, many of which arc from 
the patients themselves. Among the applicants are 
twenty-eight clergymen, thirty-six physicians, forty- 
two lawyers, three judges, twelve editors, tour army 
and three naval officers, one hundred and seventy- 
nine merchants, fifty-live farmers, five hundred and 
fifteen mechanics, and four hundred and ten women, 



174 

who are from the high walks of life. Of the vocation 
of the remaining twelve hundred applicants, we have 
no knowledge. 

If it were in our power, without invading the 
sanctity of private life, to lay before the public a full 
account of each case of inebriety that has come under 
our observation, and unfold the terrible calamities 
inflicted upon whole families by this disease, we could 
present a history which would arouse the sympathies 
of the world, and bring to the aid of this great work 
every benevolent citizen of our country. 

The following cases illustrate the importance of this 
asylum, and the great desire the inebriate has for 
an institution in which he can be controlled, medi- 
cally dealt with, and morally treated : was a 

gentleman of genius, fine culture and accomplishments, 
and wmose professional reputation was second to none 
of his age in our country. He had many admirers ; 
and, wherever he preached, multitudes flocked to hear 
him. He was as attractive in social life as in the 
pulpit, yet he was afflicted with this painful malady — 
a diseased appetite, which he had inherited, and which 
it was impossible for him to control. Although he 
loved his accomplished wife and dear children as 
strongly and devotedly as any father could love, yet 
these sacred ties, that bound him to life, were as ropes 
of sand for restraint, when this morbid appetite was 
upon him. Although a devoted Christian and a holy 
man (with this exception), yet the Church, with all its 
sacred influences, could not control him. He has now 
left his church and people, and gone home to die. 

The following is the case of a clergyman, which 



175 

deeply enlisted the sympathies of the late Hon. Ben- 
jamin F. Butler. For several years, this gentleman 
had been suffering from taenia, which had produced 
great emaciation. For this malady, his physician re- 
commended alcoholic stimulants, which were taken in 
large quantities, and for a long period. The result 
was, that this prescription, instead of benefitting the 
patient, produced the more fearful disease of inebriety. 
The patient lost self-control, and became a burden to 
his friends, who made every effort to restrain him, but 
in vain. At length, conscious of his inability for self- 
control, he voluntarily surrendered himself to the cus- 
tody of the superintendent of the alms-house on Black- 
well's Island. He remained there but a short time, as 
his better nature revolted at the depraved surround- 
ings. Finally, as a last resort, his friends have sent 
him on a sea-voyage, from which he has not yet 
returned. 

The following is the case of a father who imbrued 
his hands in the blood of his own child. This gentle- 
man was a clergyman of no common ability, whose 
reputation as a Christian and a pastor had placed him 
in a high position in the Church. He became an ine- 
briate, lost self-control, and, in a fit of delirium tre- 
mens, murdered his own child, and would have taken 
the life of his wife, but for the timely interposition of 
friends. He was tried for murder, and aequitted on 
the ground of insanity. 

Within the past two years, tin 4 State of New York 
lias lost by death two of her Supreme Court judges, 
and one of her County judges, all of whom died by 



11 



176 

inebriety, and all of whom were applicants for admis* 
sion to this asylum. 

Among the merchants who have applied for admission, 
I know of no one more melancholy in character than the 
following : This gentleman retired from business about 
seven years since, with a fortune of seven hundred 
thousand dollars. Having been accustomed to a great 
amount of mental excitement incident to a large busi- 
ness, he became much depressed in the retirement of a 
private life, and resorted to alcoholic stimulants to 
restore the wonted physical and mental condition of 
his system. Thereby was produced this disease, which 
consigned this once useful man to a premature grave. 

Within three years, there have been two applicants 
for admission to this asylum, who afterwards committed 
suicide, while laboring under delirium tremens. One 
of these was an officer in the United States Navy, who 
distinguished himself in the war with Mexico. After 
he had returned from a cruise, he began to stimulate 
to excess, became diseased by alcohol, and lost self- 
control. He told us, when he applied for admission 
to the Institution, " that he should soon die, unless con- 
trolled and treated in an asylum." On being informed 
that the edifice was not built, he left in despair, and, 
three weeks after, while suffering under an attack of 
delirium tremens, he threw himself from the third- 
story window of his hotel, killing himself instantly. 

The other case of self-destruction was a young man 
of wealth and position. He was accomplished in 
mind, polished in manners, benevolent in heart, and a 
universal favorite with his associates, both young and 
old. This painful disease in him was hereditary. His 






177 

better nature revolted at the idea of being an inebriate 
and dying an inebriate. When we told him that the 
asylum was not completed, he turned away in despair, 
and said, "Then I must die." Six months had scarcely 
elapsed, when, while in delirium tremens, he took a 
bottle of laudanum, which closed his unfortunate 
career. 

We think it unnecessary to present more cases of the 
victims of a diseased appetite, to prove the necessity of 
an asylum adapted for their control, treatment, and 
cure. Neither is it necessary to exhibit to the world 
the murdered family of the inebriate, to show that he 
is a dangerous man to remain at large. These events 
are daily heralded in every newspaper in our land, 
and the courts of our country are inundated with this 
class of insane ; yet, with all these facts before us, the 
inebriate is left either to die by his own hand, or to 
plunge the dagger to the heart of his once cherished 
wife, and dash out the brains of his child, ere it had 
learned to lisp the name of father. 

Society must hold a State responsible which fails to 
provide an asylum for the control of a class of insane 
who are more dangerous to themselves and to commu- 
nity, than the lunatics in our madhouses would be, were 
they set at liberty. Statute laws punish crimes com- 
mitted by this class of insane; but what does the 
insane man know or care about laws ami penalties 
when his brain is on fire by alcoholic poison? At 
such times, laws do not save the live* of' the ituiodut 
and the virtuous. 

"The world requires an Inebriate Asylum," Bays I 
distinguished physician, " not only for the eontrol and 






178 

medical and moral treatment of the inebriate, but for 
the purpose of making a scientific investigation of the 
morbid anatomy and pathology of the disease pro- 
duced by alcohol." Every school in our land should 
be possessed of these facts, so that the teacher might be 
able to lay before his class the morbid condition of each 
organ of the body produced by alcoholic stimulants, 
and warn the rising generation "that inebriety is a 
disease, constitutional and hereditary, and that it pro- 
duces insanity, idiocy, and death? By this means, thou- 
sands of our youth would be prevented from tasting 
the inebriating draught, who would otherwise fill an 
inebriate's grave. 

More than thirteen hundred leading physicians of 
our State have declared (in petitions to the Legisla- 
ture), " that all attempts to treat the inebriate success- 
fully, without an asylum for his control, have proved, 
and must ever prove, abortive." The feasibility of 
establishing an asylum for the control, and the medical 
and moral treatment of the inebriate, is duly appreci- 
ated by those who are fully acquainted with the mor- 
bid anatomy and pathology of the disease. Such an 
institution will have more elements for the radical 
cure of this class of patients, than any insane asylum 
has for the cure of insanity, from the fact that the 
moment an inebriate is placed in this asylum, he is at 
once removed from the exciting cause of his disease, 
and enters at once upon a course of medical treatment : 
whereas, the placing a lunatic in the insane asylum, 
does not at once remove the cause of mental derange- 
ment. It may require weeks, or even months, before 
the physician can discover the exciting cause of his 



179 



lunacy, and adopt the remedies suited to his case. 
The great principle of treating the inebriate success- 
fully, has been as firmly established by cases cured in 
insane asylums (which are not adapted for this class 
of patients), as the treatment of insanity itself, as the 
following cases will illustrate. 

was a gentleman who had been disinherited 

by his father, on account of his inebriety. His wife 
and children had left him, and gone to reside with 
relatives in a distant State, while he, the victim of a 
diseased appetite, was left to perish as a pauper in the 
streets of a city. Early one morning, as two lawyers 
were walking together to their office, they beheld a 
man lying in the street, in an insensible state, and cov- 
ered with the filth of the gutter. They were attracted 
by a resemblance the man bore to an old class-mate 
of theirs at college. On a near approach, they discov- 
ered that it was indeed their old friend. They imme- 
diately had him removed to comfortable quarters, and 
placed him under the charge of a physician, until he had 
sufficiently recovered to recognize them. They learn- 
ed his past history, andf by his desire, placed him in 
an insane asylum, for control and treatment. He was 
kept there for two years, and discharged cured. Two 
months after he left the asylum, he moVfcd to the City 
of New York, where his family joined him, ami where 
lie resided for twenty years, a useful citizen, a kind 
husband, a devoted father, and an exemplary Oi Ti- 
tian. He died three years sinee, aged sixty-three. 

Another case was that of a elergvman, who had 
become an inebriate, and an opium-eater. His ease 
excited much sympathy, from the fact that he was a 



180 

rnan of ability and accomplishments, and was beloved 
by all his acquaintances. All means were tried to 
control him at home, but without avail. Many of his 
best friends turned from him, discouraged and dis- 
heartened. At last, it was concluded to send him to 
the insane asylum, where he was kept for fourteen 
months, and discharged, cured. He is now a Professor 
in one of the most nourishing colleges in our country, 
a useful man, and a devoted Christian. 

The last case I shall mention, is that of a lawyer of 
distinction, who had become a common street inebri- 
ate, and whom friends had done everything (as they 
thought) to save. At last, it was resolved to place 
him in an insane asylum, for control and treatment. 
At the expiration of the second month of treatment, 
he regained his self-respect, and, in the third month, 
his taste for reading. At the expiration of the ninth 
month, the morbid condition of his stomach had been 
zrernoved, a healthy tone and action of the system, 
restored, so that all cravings for alcoholic stimulants 
had disappeared. At the close of the twelfth month, 
he was pronounced perfecijy sound, and was dis- 
charged. He is now enjoying a fine reputation as a 
judge, and has been for years an ornament to the Bar. 

Were it necessary, we could mention more than one 
ihundred cases of inebriety that have been radically 
<cured, in insane asylums, and in our own practice. 
All of these were regarded by their friends as lost. 
'Yet, by being subjected to a proper restraint, and a 
thorough medical treatment, they were restored to 
society, with health re-established, and diseased appe- 
tites removed. 



181 

There may be some good persons who will endeavor 
to excuse themselves from co-operating with us in this 
work, on the ground that, " inebriety is a malady so 
extensive, that, by a single asylum, we shall not be 
able to reach one in a hundred of this unfortunate 
class." But inebriety is far less prevalent than idola- 
try ; and yet, what great personal and pecuniary 
sacrifices we have made, and are still making, to remove 
that evil from the world. But few are discouraged, 
although much is to be done. If there were but seven 
hundred inebriates in this country, and a moral cer- 
tainty existed that one-half of this number could be 
restored to health, respectability, and usefulness, would 
not the saving of these three hundred and fifty be 
considered worthy of the united and untiring efforts 
of the friends of Humanity and Christianity ? Are our 
responsibilities lessened on account of the magnitude 
of the evil to be encountered, when the plan is before 
us, by which it has been demonstrated, that seventy 
per cent, of all inebriates can be saved by a special 
asylum ? Who is there that can feel indifferent on 
this subject ? Have we not lost a brother, a father, 
or a son, by this malady? Are we to suffer the loss 
of friends again and again, without making a practical 
effort to save them? Many a father's anxious inquiry 
is, where shall I place my only son, who is destroying 
his own life, and bringing disgrace and ruin upon bis 
family's Many a mother sighs in solitude, because 
her cherished son, the hoped-for Bolace o\' her declining 
years, is pursuing the reckless course ^\' the inebriate, 
and no asylum is afforded to hide him from open dis- 
grace, or to save him from impending death. Shall 



182 

inebriety — which has, and will again wring the hearts 
of many such parents, with anguish unknown and un- 
utterable ; which has caused the tears* of many a wife 
to flow, in bitterness of soul ; which has strewed the 
path of many an aspiring family with discouragements 
and adversity ; which has spread desolation over many 
a household, clothed children in rags, fed them on the 
bread of wretchedness, lodged them in the leaky 
hovel, unsheltered from the wintry storm ; entailed 
upon an innocent offspring all the morbid conditions 
of a disease which saps the physical power, and destroys 
the intellectual energy of its victim, sinking him at last 
to imbecility or death — shall inebriety continue to 
slaughter its victims, and no effort be put forth for 
their salvation \ 

While the hand of Charity and Christian sympathy 
is extended in the work of founding throughout our 
land, asylums for the reformation of juvenile offenders ; 
while hospitals are erected for the maniac, the deaf 
and dumb, the blind, and the idiotic ; while the glad 
tidings of salvation are extended far and wide, to dis- 
enthrall the heathen from the delusions of idolatry, 
and to open to them a road to happiness through the 
Prince of Peace — shall the inebriate be the only class 
of unfortunates in the world, for whose recovery and 
restoration no practical effort is made ? Are we not 
incurring a fearful responsibility as a Christian people, 
while we permit the inebriate to perish, body and 
soul, when it is in our power to rescue him from such 
a life, and from such a death ? 

We would earnestly appeal to the Church, and to 
every benevolent heart in our land, in behalf of more 



183 



than twenty-eight hundred of our fellow-citizens, who 
are anxious to be saved from their impending death, 
and whose salvation in this life, and in the life to come, 
depends upon the co-operation which this great medi- 
cal, moral, and religious work will receive from the 
hands of the Christian world. When each Church of 
our land shall have extended to this Institution its con- 
tributions, the day will not be far distant when this 
Asylum will begin its heaven-born mission of restoring 
to health the diseased, lifting up the fallen and degrad- 
ed to the high sphere of the virtuous and the good ; 
restoring to the family its lost head, and to the Church 
of Christ a useful, exemplary, and devoted Christian. 



In behalf of the Trustees of the New York 
fckate Inebriate Asylum, 



k f 



J. EDWARD TURNER, 

Secretary. 



Trustees. Residence. 

REUBEN H. WALWORTH, Prest, Saratoga. 
DANIEl, S. DICKINSON, Binjrhamton. 
WASHINGTON HUNT, Lockport. 
JAMES 8. WADS WORTH, Genoseo. 
GEORGE FOLSOM, New York. 
WILLIAM E. DODGE, New York 
THOMAS W. OLCOTT, Albany. 
THOMAS C. BRINSMADE, Troy. 
CHARLES BUTLER, New York. 
JOHN F. RATIIBONE, Albany. 
LORENZO DRAPER, Now York. 
JONATHAN H. RANSOM, New York 
CHARLE8 II. DOOLITTLE, Utico. 
GEORGE W. TIFPT, Buffalo. 
HENRY A. BREWSTER, Rochester. 
SHERMAN D. PHELPS, Rlnghamton. 
VINCENT WHITNEY, Blnghamton. 

JACOB B. MIl.l.Ki:, Now York. 
NOAH WOBBALL, Now York. 
FRANKLIN JOHNSON, Now York. 



Trustees. Residence. 

JOnN W. FRANCIS, New York. 
WILLIAM T. McCOUN, Long Island. 
JAMES BOORMAN, New York. 
&EBBIT SMITH, Peterboro'. 
OHABLES H. RUGGLES, Pouchkoepsie. 
JOSEPH MULLEN. Watertown. 
RANSOM BALCOM, Binsrbamton. 
HAMILTON MURRAY, Oswego. 
CHARLES COOK, Havana. 
JOSIAH R. WILLIAMS. Ithaea. 
EDWARD A. LAMBEBT, Brooklyn. 
HENRY P. ALEXANDER Little Falls. 
allkn MONROE, Syracuse. 
EDWARD F.SHONNABD, Y ( , Ilkor:J . 
OHABLES P. WOOD, Auburn. 
FREDERICK JULIAND.Groana 
TRACY BEADLE, Blmlra. 
PETEB B. pan forth. Middleburgh. 
John OONEXINO, Port .'or\is 



184 



The Trustees of this Corporation have received, as a site for the Asylum, two hundred and 
fifty- two acres of land, valued at twenty-five thousand dollars, donated by the liberal Citizens 
of Binghamton. This site, upon which the edifice is now being erected, is one of the most 
beautiful and picturesque slopes in America. The Asylum, when completed, will have a 
capacity for about three hundred and fifty patients. 

No compensation has been received, or is expected, by the Trustees, for their services .ren- 
dered to the Institution. "We have no salaried officers, or agents of any description, to divert 
from the object any funds donated to this Asylum. 

All donations to the New York State Inebriate Asylum can be forwarded to the Treasurer, 
Jonathan H. Kansom, Esq., 32 Cortland Street, New York. 



Form of a Bequest to the New York State Inebriate Asylum. 

I bequeath to my executors the sum of dollars, in trust, to pay over the same in 

after my decease, to the person who, when the same shall be payable, shall act 
as Treasurer of the New York State Inebriate Asylum, to be applied to the charitable uses and 
purposes of said Institution, and under its direction. 






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